King crabs are some of the best crustaceans in the ocean. They are famous for their immense size, spiny exoskeleton, and flavorful meat. But beyond their culinary fame, they also have fascinating biology and play significant roles in their ecosystems.
King crab pets are incredible creatures with some rather interesting habits. From living in cold water to migrating across oceans, these crustaceans have some notable traits. I’ll take you through pet king crab facts, including their anatomy, habitats, and position in the ecosystem.
A Quick Overview of King Crab Facts
| Scientific Name | Lithodidae |
| Size | Up to 6 feet leg span |
| Color | Red, brown, or bluish hues |
| Lifespan | 15 to 30 years |
| Weight | Up to 10 kg (22 lbs) |
| Habitat Type | Cold ocean waters |
| Temperature Range | 1°C to 7°C (30°F to 45°F) |
| Diet | Carnivorous and omnivorous |
Habitat and Distribution
Where do king crabs live?
King crab pet thrive in cold North Pacific Ocean waters, especially off the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea. They inhabit depths of 50 to 600 meters (165 to 2,000 feet) below sea level, where they burrow and set up ambushes on soft, sandy sea floors.
While they are successful in the wild, in captivity they are very difficult to keep, needing specialized cold-water aquariums with very controlled temperatures.
Also Read More: 20 Incredible Hermit Crab Facts
Appearance and Behavior
King crabs are giant crustaceans measuring a leg span of 6 feet and have a hard, spiny exoskeleton for predator protection. Although the red king crab is so famous for being brightly colored red, there are other species whose colors are brown or bluish.
Species such as the red king crab pet, blue king crab, and southern king crab (Lithodes santolla) advance instead of sideways, using their leading claw for protection and predation. They are also semi-social creatures, typically congregating in defensive groups on the ocean floor to optimize their survival.
Diet and Feeding Habits
King crab pet will eat just about anything that they can capture with their claws! They eat small fish, mollusks, worms, crustaceans and scavenge for detritus and organic debris off the seafloor if opportunity allows.
King Crabs in Captivity: Tank Setup, Behavior, and Tank Mates
It is challenging to keep king crab pets in captivity because they are large and require cold water. While not appropriate for the average domestic aquarium, specialized facilities and public aquariums manage to keep them by mimicking their deep-sea habitat. They are challenging to maintain under their specific conditions.
Tank Setup for King Crab Pet
Tank Size
Due to their massive leg span of up to 6 feet, pet king crabs require a big, specially built cold-water tank. A tank that is too small will restrict movement, lead to stress, and impact their general well-being.
Water Conditions
Cold, stable water temperatures are essential. The ideal temperature range is -1°C to 7°C (30°F to 45°F), which closely replicates the cold depths of their natural habitat. Fluctuations below this level can induce stress and can lead to illness.
Substrate
A soft, sandy substrate is essential since they have a natural tendency to burrow and hide. Hard surfaces cause damage and limit their ability to exhibit normal behaviors.
Filtration and Circulation
King crabs are prodigious waste generators, so a good filtration system is necessary. Strong water movement is also vital to maintain adequate oxygen and to simulate the deep-sea currents they are accustomed to.
Tank Mates
If they are kept with other species, only cold-water marine fish that are non-aggressive can be used. Fragile and small species should be excluded since they could be preyed upon. Suitable tankmates would be species that tolerate the same low-temperature environment.
Read More: Fascinating Giant Coconut Crab Facts
Reproduction and Lifespan of King Crabs
How long do king crabs live for?
King crabs as pets have a very complex reproductive process and can live up to 30 years in the wild. Mating occurs immediately after molting by the female since fertilization is aided by the soft shell. The females incubate 50,000 to 500,000 eggs for nearly a year before they hatch. Planktonic larvae are transported with the currents until they settle and molt numerous times before they mature.
