Paralithodes rathbuni
(J. E. Benedict, 1895)
spiny king crab, California king crab
Paralithodes rathbuni is a deep-sea king crab in the Lithodidae, commonly known as the spiny king crab or California king crab. It inhabits the continental shelf and slope off the coast of California and Baja California at depths of 86–380 meters. The is closely related to P. californiensis, with which it shares the "California king crab," and some authorities have suggested the two may be .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Paralithodes rathbuni: //ˌpɛrəˌlɪˈθoʊdiːz ˈræθbuːni//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from the congeneric P. camtschaticus (red king crab) by its geographic restriction to the eastern Pacific and deeper preferences. Differentiation from P. californiensis is problematic; the two may be and are currently separated based on subtle morphological differences. The specific epithet "rathbuni" honors the carcinologist Mary J. Rathbun.
Images
Habitat
Sandy, muddy, or rocky benthic substrates on the continental shelf and upper slope at depths of 86–380 meters.
Distribution
East Pacific Ocean, specifically off the coast of California and Baja California, Mexico.
Human Relevance
Minor commercial interest as a king crab , though less economically significant than P. camtschaticus. Potential for confusion with P. californiensis in fisheries contexts due to shared .
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Wikipedia incorrectly describes this as a "hermit crab"; it is a true king crab ( Lithodidae), which are nested within the infraorder Anomura but are not hermit crabs in the ecological sense.