Paralithodes
Brandt, 1848
king crab
Species Guides
1- Paralithodes rathbuni(spiny king crab)
Paralithodes is a of large king crabs ( Lithodidae) native to cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean, including the Bering Sea, Okhotsk Sea, and Sea of Japan. The genus contains commercially important , particularly the red king crab (P. camtschaticus). These crabs undergo a biphasic with distinct larval stages (zoeae, glaucothoe) before reaching the phase. Molecular studies indicate that early larval stages lack adaptations to elevated temperature and hypoxia, requiring stable environmental conditions for survival.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Paralithodes: //ˌpærəˈlaɪθoʊdiːz//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Habitat
Marine benthic environments in cold temperate to polar waters. Substrates suitable for epifauna development are essential for survival. Historical in Aniva Bay (Sakhalin Island) occupied both western and eastern bay regions until degradation from coastal construction (2003–2006) eliminated eastern populations.
Distribution
North Pacific Ocean: Bering Sea, Okhotsk Sea, Sea of Japan. One introduced to far northern Europe (Barents Sea). Records from Norway (NO) and Sweden (SE) in GBIF database.
Host Associations
- Amphitrite cirrata - commensalFirst recorded association with P. camtschaticus in Barents Sea; polychaete of Terebellidae
- Acanthocephala - acanthocephalans documented as in P. camtschatica
Life Cycle
Biphasic with four documented stages: zoea I, zoea IV, glaucothoe (settlement stage), and . Glaucothoe stage is sensitive to illuminance and substrate location during settlement. Early larval stages (zoeae) lack molecular adaptations to elevated temperature and hypoxia, making them dependent on stable environmental conditions.
Behavior
Acoustical documented in P. camtschaticus. Forms of commercial-sized individuals. Larvae concentrate in specific areas during periods of highest abundance.
Ecological Role
Important commercial fishery . production processes contribute to maintenance in suitable . Functional structure of settlements analyzed in population studies.
Human Relevance
Major commercial fishery target; significant economic importance in North Pacific fisheries. Collagenase from P. camtschaticus investigated for pharmaceutical applications in anti-scar treatments. Subject of stock enhancement programs due to declines from overfishing and degradation.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Acoustical behavior in king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus)
- THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANTI-SCAR OLEOGEL COMPOSITION WITH PARALITHODES CAMTSCHATICA COLLAGENASE
- Ecological aspects of the perennial distribution of the Red King Crab Paralithodes camtschaticus in Aniva Bay (Sakhalin Island)
- Some molecular aspects of larval development in Paralithodes camtschaticus
- Brief description of the molecular aspects of Paralithodes camtschaticus larval development
- The red king crab (Paralithodes camtschatica) as a host for juvenile acanthocephalans
- First Record of Amphitrite cirrata (Polychaeta: Terebellidae) in Association with the Barents Sea Red King Crab Paralithodes camtschaticus (Malacostraca: Lithodidae).