Big, scary, but tender Japanese Spider Crab (Macrocheira kaempferi) (45 Pics)

20 Interesting Facts About the Japanese Spider Crab

1.) Japanese Spider Crab is known in Japan as Takaashigani which literally means “tall-footed crab”

2.) It is known scientifically known as Macrocheira kaempferi.

3.) This marine crab species can be found in the waters of Japan, hence the common name.

4.) The Japanese Spider Crab has the largest leg span of any arthropod in the world reaching up to 3.8 meters or 12 ft from claw to claw and weighing up to 41 pounds or about 19 kg.

5.) The body of this crab may grow to a size of 40 cm or 16 inches.

6.) The Japanese Spider Crab is unique from all other crab species. The first pleopods of males are unusually twisted, and its larvae appear primitive.

7.) In spite of its odd and ferocious appearance, this creature is known to have a gentle disposition

8.) The Japanese Spider Crab is orange, with white spots along the legs.

9.) Japanese Spider Crabs can be found off the southern coasts of the Japanese island of Honshu, from Tokyo Bay to Kagoshima Prefecture.

10.) They can also be found in Iwate Prefecture and off Su-ao, Taiwan.

11.) This unique marine creature can be found at depths of up to 600 meter, or as shallow as 50 meters.

12.) The Japanese Spider Crab is one of the most unusual aquatic pets in the world and requires a huge tank.

13.) In its natural habitat, this crab species feeds on animal carcasses and shellfish.

14.) The Japanese Spider Crab is one of the longest living creatures in the world living up to 100 years.

15.) Be careful in dealing with this gigantic crab because it has been noted that the crab was known to the Japanese for the serious injuries it can cause with its strong claws.

16.) This arthropod is edible and is occasionally collected for food with a total of 24.7 tonnes collected in 1976 and 3.2 tonnes in 1985.

17.) This crab which is subject to small scale fishery is centered in Suruga Bay.

18.) The population of Japanese Spider Crab has decreased in number, forcing fishermen into exploring deeper waters in order to catch them.

19.) The average size of Japanese Spider Crab caught by fishermen is a leg span of 1.0–1.2 meters.

20.) When its legs are spread out, an adult giant Japanese spider crab can measure 12 feet across and its body can grow to be 15 inches wide.

Source: http://abcsofanimalworld.blogspot.gr/2011/12/20-interesting-facts-about-japanese.htm

The "living fossil" of the Ocean. The Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus) (22 Pics)

The horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) is a "living fossil": forms almost identical to this species were present during the Triassic period 230 million years ago. Despite their common name, they are not crabs but are related to arachnids (spiders, scorpions, ticks and mites)  

The carapace is shaped like a horseshoe, and is greenish grey to dark brown in colour. A wide range of marine species become attached to the carapace, including algae, flat worms, molluscs, barnacles and bryozoans, and horseshoe crabs have been described as 'living museums' due to the number of organisms that they can support. On the underside of the prosoma there are six paired appendages. There is a compound eye on each side of the prosoma, five eyes on the top of the carapace, and two eyes on the underside, close to the mouth, making a total of nine eyes. In addition, the tail bears a series of light-sensing organs along its length. A further unique and intriguing feature of this ancient species is that it has blue copper-based blood.

Source:http://eol.org/pages/393278/overview

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