Japanese Spider Crab

MACROCHEIRA KAEMPFERI

This crustacean is the largest of the arthropods. It lives in deep cavities, at depths of 50 to 300 metres. It feeds on dead animals, and on molluscs and crustaceans. The species, Macrocheira kaempfi, was largely decimated by fishing in the twentieth century and is therefore a symbol of the need to protect ocean wildlife.

To discover during the layover

Family

Crustacean family, Arthropods

Size

4 m extended leg span, carapace 37 cm wide and weight of about 20 kg

To discover during the layover