Red king crab

Decapod crustacean with a robust and laterally compressed body protected by a spiky exoskeleton. It displays a set of ten legs, including well-developed claws. Long and slender antennae, along with compound eyes, provide keen sensory perception in its aquatic environment. The coloration varies, showcasing hues ranging from browns to intense reds, contributing to its camouflage in different marine habitats. The structure of the tail, or abdomen, is elongated and narrow, while the locomotor legs are adapted for swimming and exploring the seafloor. The presence of specialized appendages, such as chelae or claws, reflects evolutionary adaptations for food acquisition and defense against predators. They can be quite large, sometimes reaching a carapace width of 28 cm and a leg span of 1.8 m.