As land-dwelling mammals, humans often perceive the ocean as a vast, mysterious, and sometimes frightening place. Among the many terrifying creatures lurking in its depths, the Giant Spider Crab, also known as the Japanese Spider Crab, stands out as a true nightmare. Here are 10 spine-chilling reasons why the Giant Spider Crab is the most terrifying crustacean of the deep.
1. They Are Enormous
The first thing you’ll notice about the Giant Spider Crab is its sheer size. With a leg span that can reach up to 12 feet and a weight of up to 42 pounds, these crabs are colossal. Imagine a creature this size lurking in the ocean—it could easily consume a human child if it chose to.
2. They Dwell in the Depths
Giant Spider Crabs inhabit the deep, dark regions of the ocean. They are typically found at depths between 490 and 980 feet, where the environment is harsh and foreboding. This makes them well-adapted to the most extreme oceanic conditions.
3. Powerful Claws
Discovered in 1836 by Coenraad Jacob Temminck, the Giant Spider Crab is notorious for the severe injuries it can inflict with its strong, extended claws. Their formidable reach makes them even more menacing.
4. Difficult to Catch
Due to their deep-sea habitat, Giant Spider Crabs are notoriously difficult to catch. In Japan, there is only one fishery dedicated to harvesting these crabs, and it operates year-round except during the mating season, highlighting the challenge of capturing these elusive creatures.
5. Delicacy in Japan
Despite their terrifying appearance, Giant Spider Crabs are considered a delicacy in parts of Japan. However, the thought of eating one of these enormous, spindly creatures might still send shivers down your spine.
6. Remarkably Long Life Cycle
Check out this video time-lapse above of the crab moulting! Crazy stuff!
One of the most unsettling facts about the Giant Spider Crab is its longevity. These creatures can live up to 100 years, making them almost immortal compared to the average human lifespan.
7. Voracious Eaters
At the ocean’s bottom, Giant Spider Crabs will eat almost anything smaller than themselves, including fish, algae, and other plants. They are also adept scavengers, adding to their eerie, opportunistic nature.
8. Horror Film Appearance
Their name is no accident—Giant Spider Crabs resemble enormous spiders, with long, spindly legs and a sinister demeanour. They look like something straight out of a horror film, making them one of the ocean’s most visually terrifying inhabitants.
9. Surprisingly Intelligent
To evade predators like larger octopi, Giant Spider Crabs use an ingenious method of camouflage. They decorate their shells with sponges and other sea animals, blending seamlessly with their surroundings—a testament to their surprising intelligence.
10. Unusually Gentle?
Contrary to their terrifying appearance, some who have encountered Giant Spider Crabs first-hand describe them as unusually gentle. However, scepticism is understandable—this might just be part of an elaborate crab conspiracy for world domination.
If you’re not yet convinced of the Giant Spider Crab’s terrifying nature, check out some videos of them in action. For instance, here’s a video of a Giant Spider Crab attacking a diver’s camera. They don’t seem so gentle to me—yikes!
Now that you’re aware of these unsettling facts, it’s hard not to be a little afraid of Giant Spider Crabs. While they may be a delicacy for some, their nightmarish characteristics are enough to keep most people on edge.