Add the Tasmanian Giant Crab (Pseudocarcinus gigas) to one of the animals you’ll want to see in person one day.
Moreover, the crab’s immense size and unique appearance make it a captivating sight for animal lovers and fishermen alike.
How big is the Tasmanian Giant Crab?
The Tasmanian Giant Crab ranks fifth among the world’s largest crabs. It weighs up to 39 lbs and measures up to 18 inches in shell length.
Additionally, one of the claws is significantly larger than the other. The asymmetry makes the crab appear even more massive than its body.
The size of this colossal crustacean is genuinely astounding. By all means, just look at it held by adult humans!
The massive crab is hard to miss with its large black pincers that resemble those of Edward Scissorhands. In fact, the crab itself is bigger than most 2-year-olds, making it a rather imposing figure in its underwater world.
Not surprisingly, the male crabs use their sharp shears to catch, crush prey, and outcompete each other for resources.
Where to find the Tasmanian Giant Crab
This monstrous “king” of crabs calls the deep, muddy ocean waters of Southern Australia home. But at 460–885 feet, the depth of its habitat makes encountering this beast in the wild no easy feat.
Since 1992, fishers have been targeting this prized catch in Tasmanian waters, causing concern for its sustainability. In fact, buying a whole Tasmanian Giant Crab costs hundreds of dollars at $88 per pound.
