Arts & Crafts
Learn more
Reading & Writing
Learn more
Math & Logic
Learn more
Sports & Active
Learn more
Music & Dance
Learn more
Social & Community
Learn more
Mindful & Reflective
Learn more
Outdoor & Nature
Learn more
FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
The blue king crab is widely known as a seafood delicacy, and this family of crab is discovered in the cold seas of Alaska. The king crab is large and most of the species are harvested for their meat. There are over 10 genera and 121 species of king crab found in various parts of the world. The most familiar species constitute the red king crab, the brown king crab, the golden king crab, the scarlet king crab, the southern king crab, and the blue king crab. The blue king crab is a decapod, which is found in Diomede Island, St Matthew Island, and Pribilof Island, Alaska. This variation of king crab which is found in the southern latitudes is often bigger than those found in the northern latitudes because cold water slows down their development. When it comes to fishing, the ADFG (Alaska Department of Fish and Game) and the NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) are the two jurisdictions that are operated under the NPFMC (North Pacific Fisheries Management Council) that control populations of the blue king crab found in the Bering Sea, between the Penninsula of Alaska and Cape Newenham. Their body is covered in an exoskeleton and their right claw is the biggest of all.
To know more about the amazing blue king crab keep reading this article or check out our articles on the sally lightfoot crab and the hermit crab to learn more about other fish and sea creatures.
The blue king crab (Paralithodes platypus) is a type of king crab of the genus Paralithodes. It is a crustacean and its body is covered in a shell, or exoskeleton.
This species of king crab belongs to the class of Malacostraca.
Although the population of this king crab has depleted in the last few decades, it is not a direct target of commercial fisheries. The exact population of this king crab (blue) has not been assessed.
King crabs are located in cold seas are have more than 121 species, the blue king crab is found in the region of Alaska and is known as the Alaskan king crab. Their range is extended to the southeastern part of the Gulf of Alaska and this species of king crab can also be discovered near Norton Sound and around St. Lawrence Island. A small population also exists on the east Asian coast, particularly near Siberia and northern Japan.
The cold water of the sea is an advantageous habitat for the Alaskan king crab (blue) hence these blue king crabs are found in a surplus in the northern region of the Bering Sea. A rise in temperatures due to global warming has impacted these crab populations, pushing them into more extreme depths of the ocean.
Some crabs live in groups while others may live alone, the preference of this Alaskan king crab is not currently known.
The average lifespan of blue king crabs is 20-30 years.
Pribilof Island blue king crabs become sexually mature when they achieve their optimum size, as does the St. Matthew Island blue king crab at 3 in (7.6 cm). Female crabs lay eggs after mating with male crabs and the incubation period can range from 12 to 14 months. The Pribilof Island blue king crab produces eggs from the end of March to the beginning of May which eventually hatch as larvae. Larvae are then released after 29 days.
A major part of this crab's population resides on St Matthew Island and the Pribilof Islands. These crabs are not being harvested directly by fisheries, but whether the species needs special conservation measures has not been decided yet because their conservation status is currently still Least Concern according to the IUCN.
This species of king crab is a massive crustacean with an exoskeleton shell that safeguards it from potential predators. Blue king crab legs are long, but not as slender as those of the brown king crab or as golden king crab legs. Blue king crab populations of the Pribilof Islands have a carapace width of 6.5 in (17 cm) or more, while the St. Matthew Island king crab has a carapace width of more than 5.5 in (14 cm), and so does the Diomede crab. Each king crab has 10 king crab legs and the first pair is utilized as pincers. The largest pair is their right claw and three pairs of legs are used for walking. The function of their tiny king crab legs is different in males and females, as males use their tiny legs to transfer sperm while females use their tiny legs to clean embryos.
* Please note that this is an image of a crab, not a blue king crab specifically. If you have an image of a blue king crab, please let us know at [email protected]
The Alaskan king crab is a crustacean and many people can find them intimidating rather than cute!
The release of pheromones is the main method of communication amongst crabs, but the exact method of communication between blue king crabs is not known.
The size of these king crabs in the Pribilof Islands and St. Mathew Islands is more than 5.5-6.5 in (13.97-16.5 cm) and they weigh around 18 lb (8.1 kg).
King crabs in general can run at a maximum speed of 0.34 mph (0.54 kph) but the precise speed of a blue king crab is not known.
They weigh approximately 18 lb (8.1kg).
There are no specific names for this species based on their gender.
A female crab can produce as many as 150,000 blue king crab eggs which, after hatching, become larvae. Larvae are tiny and are called 'zoea'.
The diet of the Alaskan king crab species consists of fish parts, sponges, clams, worms, and mussels. They are omnivores.
Blue king crabs are not poisonous.
These marine creatures are found in the cold water of the deep ocean, so they are not suitable as a pet.
The blue king crab is also known as a 'stone crab'.
This species of king crab is closely related to hermit crabs.
The shell of a blue king crab is made up of calcium, these shells go through molting too!
A blue king crab is worth approximately $8.49 per pound.
A red king crab is very similar to a blue king crab, but the two species can be distinguished on various grounds. Firstly, red king crabs are much more in demand and more are harvested by the commercial fishing industry. Red king crab legs are also thicker than blue king crab legs and the meat of a red king crab is not sweet as that of a blue king crab. Red king crabs are found in shallow water while the blue king crab is discovered in deep water.
The rarest king crab is the blue king crab as it is discovered in deep cold water, such as in the Bering Sea of Alaska, St Mattews Island, and the Pribilof Islands. It is also found near Norton Sound and around St. Lawrence Island. This crab is really expensive (more expensive than other kinds of crab) because it is so rare!
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these Asian lady beetle facts and ghost moth facts for kids.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable blue king crab coloring pages.
* Please note that this is an image of a crab, not a blue king crab specifically. If you have an image of a blue king crab, please let us know at [email protected]
https://eatingexpired.com/what-is-the-difference-between-alaskan-blue-crab-and-red-crab/
https://www.americanoceans.org/species/blue-king-crab/
https://a-z-animals.com/blog/discover-the-largest-king-crab-ever/
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
Get Inspiration For Education!
Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.
