Head to head
Southern King Crab vs Red King Crab
Southern King Crab
VS Red King Crab
Both crabs support major fisheries in cold water on different hemispheres, and both share a surprising evolutionary twist.
| Southern King Crab | Red King Crab | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Lithodes santolla | Paralithodes camtschaticus |
| Range | Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego | The North Pacific, off Alaska and Russia |
| Size | Large | Can span nearly two metres across its legs |
| True classification | Closer to hermit crabs than true crabs | Closer to hermit crabs than true crabs |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Fluctuated due to commercial fishing |
| Commercial fishery | An important regional fishery | One of the world's most demanding fisheries |
| Habitat | Ocean, coastal | Ocean |
Southern King Crab vs Red King Crab: common questions
Which one is larger?
The red king crab is larger, capable of spanning nearly two metres across its outstretched legs, bigger than the southern king crab.
Are both more closely related to hermit crabs than true crabs?
Yes, both species belong to the same broader group as hermit crabs rather than true crabs, despite their imposing, crab-like armoured appearance.
Which one supports a more famous, demanding fishery?
The red king crab supports the more famous fishery, considered one of the world's most demanding and dangerous, while the southern king crab supports an important but less internationally known regional fishery.