Species Type:
Invertebrates
Common Name(s):
Puget Sound king crab
Size:
As one of the largest crabs on the Pacific coast, Puget Sound king crab shells can grow over 12 inches (30 centimeters).
Diet:
This crab feeds on anemones, sea urchins and other echinoderms.
Range & Habitat:
Puget Sound king crabs are often found in rocky and muddy seabeds in the cold, deep waters of the Pacific along parts of the U.S. and Canada, including Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest.
Details:
These bumpy, multicolored crabs have spots of red, brown, orange, blue and white on the shell (carapace) protecting their body. Their legs are less armored and they end in spiked tips. Young crabs are bright orange. They feed on algae, small invertebrate animals and detritus. They migrate seasonally, often moving from deeper to shallower waters to breed.