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Science & Nature • Marine biology

King crab

King crabs are marine decapod crustaceans in the family Lithodidae, known for living in cold waters and often deep-sea habitats.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

King crabs are marine decapod crustaceans in the family Lithodidae, known for living in cold waters and often deep-sea habitats. They are commercially important seafood animals in North Pacific fisheries. In Canada, king crab species occur off British Columbia, contributing to fisheries and marine biodiversity.

Classification

King crabs are placed in the family Lithodidae within the order Decapoda. The family includes two subfamilies: Lithodinae, which contains most species diversity, and Hapalogastrinae, which is restricted to the North Pacific.

Distribution and habitat

King crabs live in cold marine environments, especially in the North Pacific. Many species occur in deep water, while some are found in shallower coastal waters.

Species and common names

The term usually refers to several related species rather than a single animal. The best-known examples include red king crab, golden king crab, and other Lithodidae species.

Commercial importance

King crabs are valued as seafood and are the target of major fisheries, especially in Alaska and nearby North Pacific regions. Their size and meat quality have made them economically important.

Key facts

  • King crabs belong to the family Lithodidae and are marine decapod crustaceans.
  • They are adapted to cold environments and are found chiefly in deep waters.
  • The group includes species such as the red king crab and golden king crab.
  • Red king crab is one of the largest crab species and is heavily fished commercially.
  • Some sources use the name "king crab" for horseshoe crabs, but that usage is separate from the crustacean family Lithodidae.
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Canadian context

King crab species occur in waters off British Columbia and other parts of the northeastern Pacific, and they are relevant to Canadian fisheries, seafood markets, and marine biodiversity.

Frequently asked questions

What is a king crab?
A king crab is a marine decapod crustacean in the family Lithodidae, typically adapted to cold waters.
Are king crabs true crabs?
They are crustaceans commonly called crabs, but they belong to Lithodidae rather than the group of true crabs.
Where do king crabs live?
They are found chiefly in the North Pacific, often in cold deep waters, though some species live in shallower habitats.
What is the best-known king crab species?
The red king crab, Paralithodes camtschaticus, is the best-known and most commercially important species.
Why are king crabs important economically?
They are harvested commercially for food and are considered a valuable seafood product in North Pacific fisheries.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_crab
    Supports: Family Lithodidae, deep-water cold-water habitat, and subfamily breakdown.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/king-crab
    Supports: King crab as a marine crustacean, size, edible use, and commercial fishing importance.
  3. NOAA Fisheries — https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/red-king-crab
    Supports: Red king crab biology, commercial harvesting, and distribution including British Columbia, Canada.
  4. Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute — https://www.alaskaseafood.org/species/king-crab/
    Supports: Commercially harvested king crab types including red, blue, and golden.
  5. Aquarium of the Pacific — https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/onlinelearningcenter/species/alaskan_king_crab
    Supports: Distribution in the North Pacific and Canada, and physical description.