The longest a crab can live is 100 years. This remarkable longevity is attributed to the Japanese spider crab, known for its impressive size and deep-sea habitat.
The Longest-Living Crab: Japanese Spider Crab
The Japanese spider crab ( Macrocheira kaempferi ) holds the distinction of being the crab with the potential to live the longest, reaching up to a century in age. This makes it one of the longest-living arthropods known. Its extended lifespan is likely due to its cold, deep-water environment, which typically slows down metabolic processes.
Beyond its longevity, the Japanese spider crab is also recognized as the largest crab species in the world. Its physical characteristics are truly extraordinary:
- Leg Span: It boasts an astounding leg span that can reach up to 13 feet (4 meters) from claw to claw. This makes it a significant catch for fishermen, not just for its size but also for its potential age.
- Weight: An adult Japanese spider crab typically weighs around 40 pounds (16-20 kg), making it a massive inhabitant of the ocean floor.
- Habitat: These crabs reside in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean around Japan, thriving in environments that protect them from many predators and environmental stresses often found in shallower waters.
Their slow metabolism, cold habitat, and general lack of predators contribute significantly to their ability to achieve such a venerable age, allowing them to grow to an immense size over many decades.
For more information about this fascinating creature, you can explore resources like the Smithsonian Ocean.
