Red Crab
Red sea crabs (Paralithodes camtschaticus) belong to the Lithodidae family. Other than these crabs, they have some common names such as Alaska crab and Kamchatka king crab. It is very interesting to note that during their migration to the sea they can be seen on the roads walking in groups. They look amazing in groups and can even stop traffic and puncture tyres.
Red Sea Crabs Facts
Red sea crabs are one of the most interesting sea animals by their appearance and behavior. Some of the interesting facts about this interesting species are as follows:
Physical Appearance
These crabs are large in their appearance and can grow up to a size of about 11 inches. They weigh up to 10 kg. They have fused thorax and head with a fan-shaped tail. Apart from these they have an array of antennae. Their legs can grow up to a size of 1.8 meters. It is red but the color gets darken, when it is being cooked and hence it has been given this name.
Red sea crabs Habitat and Behavior
These sea animals can be found in the Pacific Ocean, Kamchatka Peninsula, Berring Sea and the waters of Alaska. They live in a smooth, mire and rigid underneath pits, which ranges from (200 to 2000) meters. These are the large ones and are found to be more active during the daytime. They like to stay in shade because they can die in the heat of direct sunlight. These reds sea crabs are burrow dwellers and remain in these burrows for two or three months in order to retain their body temperature. When the monsoon arrives, they return to their breeding grounds in a huge group and cover up any obstacle that comes along their way. They look very beautiful and amazing when they move in mass.
Red sea crabs Diet
The nature of the food consumed by these species varies according to their life history. The pelagic larvae are known to feed on both phytoplankton and zooplankton. The small ones mainly feed on clams, barnacles, mussels, sea stars, etc. Moreover, the adults are omnivorous in nature and feed on what is available to them. This consists of the most abundant benthic organisms.
Red sea crabs Breeding / Reproduction
At the time of mating, the superior male make a defensive "confine" around the female. The male carry these confine until she gets ready for mating. They arrive at the coast to mate and this happens at such a time that the female could produce eggs and then burrow the eggs for few days. Then the eggs are released in the sea and this takes place at some time in the new moon. When these egg hatches the young ones live as larvae for about a month in the sea. These larvae are carried away by the water currents. Thus for the survival of these larvae they must reach to their favorable habitat.
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