Japanese Spider Crab

The largest arthropod alive, with a 3.7 meter leg span/Marine Life

The Japanese spider crab (Macrocheira kaempferi) has the largest leg span of any living arthropod, reaching up to 3.7 meters from claw to claw. Its body (carapace) is about 40 cm wide, and it weighs up to 19 kg. Found in waters around Japan at depths of 50 to 600 meters, it can live for up to 100 years. Despite its intimidating size, it is a gentle scavenger. Juvenile crabs decorate their shells with sponges and other organisms for camouflage.