Traditionally, lobster and spiny lobster, lobster and crayfish, crab and shrimp, as well as sea truffle (or sea duck) are classified as crustaceans. Their meat is considered a delicacy almost throughout the world due to its low calorie content and maximum benefits. They are rich in B vitamins, iron and phosphorus. The meat of some crustacean species reduces the risk of thrombosis.
Small crustaceans play a crucial role in the ecosystem of water bodies, turning plant cells into light feed for other animals to absorb. However, today we are not talking about these crumbs. We will tell you about the largest representatives of this class.
1
Japanese crab spider / Macrocheira kaempferi
The name is explained by the external similarity of the crab with this representative of the arthropod world. But the name in Latin was assigned at the end of the XVIII century in honor of the first naturalist researcher who described in detail the structure and appearance of the crab.
The shell of this giant is oval or round and reaches a diameter of 1.5 meters, its claws are about 40 centimeters, the span of the front legs is 3 meters! This type of arthropod is deservedly called the largest on the planet.
Due to its size and the most tender high protein meat, crab becomes a desirable prey for poachers, and the number of individuals is reduced annually.
By the way, on our site thebiggest.ru you can also find out what is the largest spider in the world.
2
American Lobster / Homarus americanus
Based on the name, it is easy to guess that the territory of their residence is the Atlantic coast of North America. This type of lobster is the champion in weight among all representatives of its class. With an average length of 60 centimeters, the mass of an adult lobster can reach 20 or more kilograms!
The main pigments in the color of the American lobster are yellow, blue, red. This is due to the color diversity of representatives.
In cooking, the meat of this crustacean is of tremendous value. In Canada (Shediac, New Brunswick) there is even a monument to the American lobster!
3
Palm Thief / Birgus latro
This 40-centimeter cancer got its interesting name due to an ancient belief that it can cut coconuts from palm trees with claws and open them to enjoy juicy pulp. However, it later turned out that he could not perform such complex purposeful actions.
He eats those fruits that themselves fell from the branches and split due to impact on the ground. In rare cases, a Palm thief can eat smaller crustaceans and even attack small bird nests.
4
Decapod Cancer / Astacopsis gouldi
Cancer, which is very whimsical to living conditions, is an endemic of Tasmania, which is why scientists assigned it a second name - Tasmanian cancer. The largest individuals reach 80 centimeters in length.
They live in streams and rivers with a calm course, in shady cool waters. Depending on the habitat, the color of the crayfish can vary from dark green to different shades of brown, but even blue individuals were found!
Despite the fact that the Decapods are long-livers (up to 40 years old!), They are on the verge of extinction. The reason for this is the industrial pollution of fresh water and their intentional catch.
5
Parastacid crayfish of the genus Cherax
One of the largest crustaceans in the Southern Hemisphere. They are found in Madagascar, New Guinea, Fiji. For living, they dig holes with powerful claws, and sometimes they use cracks under stones or snags as a house. Their lifespan directly depends on the temperature of the water, and if it falls below 10 degrees Celsius, then inevitable death awaits the cancer. In favorable conditions, they can live up to 5 years.
Representatives of this species are very peace-loving and get along well in the same body of water with almost any fish, except for too aggressive ones.
The size of the cancer can reach 30 centimeters. Their color depends on the habitat, but it is always bright colors.
6
Peacock Shrimp / Odontodactylus scyllarus
The largest shrimp was caught near Colombia. Its length was 40 centimeters.
The average length of this type of shrimp, however, does not exceed 30 centimeters. The eyes of these crustaceans are truly unique - they can see in the infrared and even ultraviolet range. Shrimp is a predator using its claws like a hammer.
In 2003, director Mack Locke made the film “Crustacean” (Crust), where the main character was a mutant shrimp, who learned to box!
7
Spiny (real) lobsters / Palinuridae
Spiny lobsters have a structure similar to lobsters, with one exception - spiny lobsters lack claws. In their place, this type of arthropod has thick antennas with powerful spikes. They lead a nocturnal lifestyle, most often living in the cavities of coral reefs.
These lobsters are widespread almost everywhere, including atypical Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas that are atypical for such arthropods. The length of their body is 50-60 centimeters.
Do not miss, there is an interesting article about the largest seas of the world on the hiring site thebiggest.ru.
8
Norwegian Lobster / Nephrops norvegicus
A distinctive feature of Norwegian lobsters can be considered oblong claws, with which they dig caves and intricate labyrinths. They lead mainly a nocturnal lifestyle when they leave their shelters in search of food.
Every two years, females lay a huge number of eggs (about 4000!) And carry them on the tail for almost 9 months.
The largest of the currently caught individuals reached a length of 24 centimeters - males, 20 - females. Norwegian lobster meat is valued as a delicacy and is known to foodies by names such as langoustine and scampi.
9
Large land crab / Cancer pagurus
Approximately a waste of this huge crab is meat, which is served to the table right on the shell. The distinctive features of an adult are considered to be a shell width of 25 centimeters, a weight of up to 3 kilograms, and the shell color is brown to reddish-brown.
Land crab is a formidable nocturnal predator. The basis of his diet is made up of various mollusks and smaller crustaceans.
Despite the fact that this type of crab is an object of large-scale fishing in Europe, there are certain rules, according to which, for example, it is impossible to catch a female laying eggs. And also established the minimum size allowed to catch crabs.
10
Sea Ducks / Lepadomorpha
Compared with all the previous representatives of our list of crustaceans on thebiggest.ru, this specimen is simply crumb. But in the suborder of the barnacle crustacean, Lepadomorpha is simply a giant! Large are considered individuals of 5-6 centimeters.
Mariners do not like them very much, because sea ducks (or they are also called sea acorns), covering the bottom of ships, reduce their streamlining and seaworthiness.
Their meat is very juicy, light pink. Most often, they are served with cheese or vinegar and olive oil sauce. Of all the crustaceans, sea ducks are the most expensive on the seafood market - up to $ 300 per kilogram!
Summary
Despite the fact that the presence of a chitinous shell of crustaceans limits their size, individuals of incredible dimensions are often found. Representatives of the class of crustaceans have won an honorable place in the kitchens and in the hearts of avid gourmets, becoming the most sought after and expensive delicacy!
Author: Olesya Shcherbakova