Paralithodes

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

Summary

Paralithodes camtschaticus, or the red king crab, is the largest species of king crab, found in cold North Pacific waters and recognized for its economic importance in fisheries, facing challenges related to invasive populations and environmental changes.

Physical Characteristics

Largest species of king crab with a carapace width up to 28 cm (11 in) and a leg span of 1.8 m (5.9 ft). Males grow larger than females; notable features include a heavy body and a color that turns red when cooked, though living specimens often appear burgundy.

Identification Tips

Distinguished by its large size and the smaller size of females in comparison to males. Identify by the size of the carapace and the overall reddish coloration post-cooking.

Habitat

Native to cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean; inhabits depths of 20–50 m (66–164 ft) as juveniles and deeper than 200 m (656 ft) as adults. Found on sand and muddy substrates with a tendency to migrate to shallower waters for mating during winter or early spring.

Distribution

Native to the Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Kamchatka Peninsula, Sea of Okhotsk, and in the Sea of Japan. Introduced to the Barents Sea, where it has become invasive since 1960s.

Diet

Carnivorous; diet includes mollusks and other benthic organisms. Adults feed primarily in deep waters, while juveniles prefer shallower areas with abundant food.

Life Cycle

Begins with the fertilization of eggs in shallow coastal areas, with juveniles staying in shallower waters. Adult red king crabs migrate deeper after reaching maturation, and later return to shallower areas for spawning.

Reproduction

Females must inhabit warmer waters to prepare eggs for hatching; they spawn in shallow coastal areas in May, with males accompanying them.

Predators

Young crabs are preyed upon by species such as Pacific cod, halibut, sculpin, otters, and various flatfish. Adults face predation threats from larger fish species and marine mammals.

Conservation Status

Experiencing a decline in numbers in native coastal waters, attributed to factors like overfishing and environmental changes.

Ecosystem Role

As a predator, the red king crab helps control the populations of benthic organisms, but its introduction in non-native regions has caused ecological disruption.

Economic Impact

Highly sought after in fisheries due to its commercial value; noted for being one of the most expensive crab species sold.

Cultural Significance

Known as an important food source, especially in Alaska and parts of Europe; nicknamed 'Stalin's crabs' in Norway due to their Soviet introduction.

Collecting Methods

• Commercial fishing traps
• Trawling methods

Preservation Methods

• Freezing
• Canning
• Chilled storage

Similar Taxa

• Lithodes
• King Crab

Misconceptions

Often mistaken as a species of king crab solely due to size and culinary use; however, it is one of several species in the family Lithodidae.

Tags

• Paralithodes
• King Crab
• Red King Crab
• Bering Sea
• Invasive Species