Add the Tasmanian Giant Crab (Pseudocarcinus gigas) to one of the animals you’ll want to see in person one day.
How big is the Tasmanian Giant Crab?
Weighing up to 39 lbs with a shell length of up to 18 inches, the Tasmanian Giant Crab is the fifth largest crab species. Its wild geometry makes its asymmetric claws (one giant leg and one normal-sized one) appear more massive than its body — just look at it held by adult humans.
The massive crab is noticeably bigger than most 2-year-olds, with the large black pincers looking like one from Edward Scissorhands. Not surprisingly, males try to outcompete each other using these sharp shears in addition to catching and crushing prey.
Where to find the Tasmanian Giant Crab
This monstrous “king” of crabs resides in the deep muddy ocean waters of Southern Australia, primarily at depths of 460–885 feet.
Unfortunately, the crab is a prize catch among fishers, and it’s been fished in Tasmanian waters since 1992. At $88 per pound (let’s not forget about inflation), buying a whole Tasmanian King Crab could cost one a few hundred dollars.
