King Crabs, belonging to the family Lithodidae, are marine crustaceans highly sought after for their meat and impressive size. These arthropods stand out as some of the largest and heaviest crabs found in the world’s oceans. Their substantial mass and lengthy legs are defining characteristics, setting the stage for a wide range of weights across the various species.
Typical Weight of a Harvested King Crab
The weight of a King Crab encountered by the average consumer is a reflection of commercial fishing regulations and market preferences. King Crabs that are legally harvested and brought to market typically fall within a size range that yields a whole weight of 6 to 10 pounds. This average is driven by the male-only harvest rules and minimum size requirements designed to protect smaller, immature crabs and breeding females. A commercially mature male Red King Crab, the most common species caught, averages about 6.4 pounds when landed in regions like the Bering Sea.
The Size Spectrum: Red, Blue, and Golden Crabs
The term “King Crab” actually refers to several distinct species, and the weight can vary significantly between them. The Red King Crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) is the largest of the three commercially significant species, making it the primary contributor to the upper end of the average weight range. Blue King Crabs (Paralithodes platypus) represent the intermediate size, often growing slightly smaller than their red counterparts, though they can still reach weights approaching 18 pounds. The Golden King Crab (Lithodes aequispinus), sometimes called the Brown King Crab, is the smallest of the trio and has a typical adult weight of 5 to 8 pounds.
Maximum Potential Weight and Record Holders
Individual King Crabs can grow far larger than the typical market size. The largest documented King Crabs are consistently found within the Red King Crab species. Record-breaking individuals have been recorded weighing up to 28 pounds, demonstrating the immense growth potential in this species. This mass is supported by a massive physical structure, including a leg span that can reach nearly five feet across for the largest males.
Factors Influencing King Crab Mass
A crab’s final mass is determined by biological variables that influence its growth throughout its life cycle. Age is a primary factor, as King Crabs grow by repeatedly shedding their rigid exoskeleton through a process called molting. Juvenile crabs molt frequently, but adult males may skip a molt for a year or two, allowing them to accumulate mass within their current shell. Sex also plays a significant role in determining size, with males growing substantially larger and heavier than females. Furthermore, a crab’s weight can fluctuate dramatically just before and after molting because the animal absorbs a large volume of water to expand its body before the new shell hardens.