: To grow, they must shed their hard exoskeleton in a process called molting. Juveniles molt several times a year, while older adults may only molt every two years.

: They are among the world's largest arthropods; males can weigh up to 24 pounds with a leg span reaching 6 feet. They can live for 20 to 30 years.

Alaskan waters are home to three primary commercial species: , Blue , and Golden king crabs.

The king crab industry is an economic pillar for Alaska, worth billions annually. King Crab, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

The Alaskan King Crab is one of the most prized seafood species in the world, famous for its massive size, sweet meat, and the dangerous "Deadliest Catch" style conditions required to harvest it. Though often called "crabs," they are actually descendants of hermit crab lineages and are technically not "true" crabs because they have only six walking legs instead of eight.

: Young crabs (under five years old) gather in massive groups called "pods" that can contain thousands of individuals, likely as a defense against predators like sea otters and fish during their vulnerable molting stages. The Industry and Harvesting