Fauna
Invertebrate

Japanese Spider Crab

Macrocheira kaempferi

Also known as Giant Japanese Spider Crab, Tall-Legged Crab

Japanese spider crabs are the undisputed giants of the arthropod world, boasting spindly legs that can span more than twelve feet across. These slow-moving giants patrol the dark, near-freezing depths of the Pacific Ocean floor, scavenging for decaying animal matter and slow-moving invertebrates. Younger individuals actively decorate their bumpy carapaces with sponges and anemones to hide from predators, a camouflage habit they outgrow as they reach their massive adult size.

Deep SeaGiantBenthic
Japanese Spider Crab reference
(c) Brian Gratwicke, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
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—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyDead fish, Mollusks, Algae
Predators
  • Large sharks
  • Octopuses
  • Humans
ThreatsOverfishing, accidental bycatch in bottom trawls, and habitat degradation
HabitatsDeep-sea sandy and muddy ocean floors
Life spanUp to 100 years
Classification
  1. FamilyMacrocheiridae
  2. SpeciesMacrocheira kaempferi
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Powerful claws can inflict a painful pinch if handled; observe from a safe distance.
What to notice
Distinguished by their orange bodies with white spots and incredibly long, spindly legs.
Support conservation
Support sustainable fisheries and marine conservation initiatives that protect deep-sea benthic habitats.
Responsible observation
  • Aquarium Viewing: Look for them in specialized deep-sea exhibits where they are kept in chilled, dimly lit tanks.
  • Camouflage Spotting: Observe younger individuals closely to see how they attach sponges to their shells for protection.
Related species
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