Spiny king crab
Paralithodes rathbuni
- On view
- Monterey Bay Habitats
- Animal type
- Invertebrates
- Ecosystem
- Deep sea
- Relatives
- California king crab, Alaskan king crab; other crustaceans (crabs, shrimp, lobsters)
- Diet
- Crabs, sea stars, scavenged food
- Range
- Seafloor at depths of 500 to 2,400 feet (152–732 m)
- Size
- Up to 6 inches across (15 cm)
Meet the spiny king crab
The spiny king crab prowls the deep seafloor for live food, eating other crabs and sea stars. But when it can't find fresh food, it's quick to lunch on leftover scraps or dead animals that fall from above.
Did you know?
This crab has clutching claws and fast-moving mouth parts—they help the crab grab food, tear it apart and shovel the pieces into its mouth.
Conservation
In Monterey Bay, local fishers catch these king crabs using traps. Trapping is generally a safe way to catch seafood, as unwanted animals can be released unharmed.
Cool facts
- Sharp spikes protrude from this crab's body, offering protection from predators.
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