Crabs are a fascinating type of crustacean that have captivated humans throughout history. With their iconic hard outer shells and powerful pincers these tenacious creatures thrive in oceans seas, and freshwater habitats around the world. But just how long do these armored arthropods live? The answer depends on many factors.
At my company, we get this question a lot from our customers who want to know how long they can keep live crabs before cooking them While there’s no single answer, I’ll explore the key determinants of a crab’s lifespan so you can better understand these incredible creatures
Key Factors That Influence a Crab’s Lifespan
After researching various crab species, I’ve found several key factors that impact how long crabs survive:
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Species – There’s huge variation between crab types. Smaller crabs like fiddlers live only 2-3 years while larger king and snow crabs can survive 20-30 years.
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Gender – For some crabs, females live longer than males. This relates to risks taken during mating.
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Predators – Crabs must constantly avoid predators to reach their lifespan potential. Those that evade predators and disease live longer.
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Molting – To grow, crabs shed their rigid exoskeletons. Crabs that successfully molt more often reach greater size and age.
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Habitat – Crabs in optimal habitats with abundant food and shelter tend to live longer than those in subpar environments.
Now let’s explore the lifespans of popular crab varieties.
Lifespans of Common Crabs
Blue Crabs
Blue crabs along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts typically live just 1-3 years. Females reach ages of 1-2 years while males range from 1-3 years. However, some tagged individuals have survived up to 8 years, so their lifespan can exceed 5 years given ideal conditions.
Soft shell crabs are simply blue crabs that have recently molted. Since all blue crabs molt periodically, soft and hardshell crabs share the same lifespan differences based purely on shell hardness.
Dungeness Crabs
These large edible crabs of the Pacific Northwest enjoy lifespans of about 8-13 years on average. Males grow bigger than females and can live over 10 years after maturity. Dungeness crabs molt frequently when young but their growth rate slows as they age.
King Crabs
The colossal king crab flourishing in cold northern oceans is remarkably long-lived. Red king crabs survive 20-30 years in the wild while giant blue king crabs can live over 35 years. Their hulking size and durable exoskeletons provide excellent defense against predators.
Coconut Crabs
As the world’s largest land crabs, coconut crabs can grow over 3 feet across. Native to tropical islands, these massive hermit crabs take about 5-8 years to reach maturity. While estimates vary widely, coconut crabs likely live at least 30-60 years and may even survive over a century due to having few natural predators.
Snow & Tanner Crabs
These commercially important crabs thrive in the coldest oceans. Snow crabs have an average lifespan around 7 years, with females reaching 14 years and males rarely exceeding 8 years. Nearby tanner crabs live about 10 years on average. Their heavy shells and harsh environments limit their lifespans compared to other species.
Spider Crabs
Despite growing to 12 foot leg spans, most spider crabs survive just 3-4 years. Molting their giant shells likely limits their lifespan. However, some Japanese spider crabs have survived over 20 years in captivity, indicating greater longevity is possible.
Why Such Dramatic Lifespan Differences Between Crab Species?
Many key reasons explain the lifespan variations among crab types:
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Growth Rate – Fast growing crabs reach max size quicker but have shorter overall life expectancy compared to slow growing crabs.
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Size – Larger crabs tend to live longer than smaller varieties thanks to their formidable claws and armor.
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Habitat – Crabs in optimal habitats avoid predators more easily and experience lower mortality.
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Reproduction – Some crabs die after reproducing. Males take more risks mating, lowering their average lifespan.
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Predators – More predators equal higher mortality and shorter average lives.
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Molting – Frequent molting when young requires more energy invested in shells and may trade off with longevity.
By understanding why some crabs survive decades while others live just a couple years, we gain insight into the complex factors driving crab evolution. So next time you enjoy fresh crab, consider the tenacity of these creatures surviving so long in Earth’s harshest ocean environments!
How Long Can You Keep Live Crabs Before Cooking?
So how long can you actually keep live crabs on ice before they should be cooked? Here are some guidelines based on common species:
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Blue crabs – Ideally cook within 24 hours. They can survive around 48 hours if kept chilled.
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Dungeness – Cook within 8-48 hours. They’ll last 2 days if properly iced.
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King – Up to 5 days is possible if kept very cold, but ideally cook within 2-3 days for best flavor.
The bottom line is that live crabs are highly perishable and should be cooked ASAP for optimum taste and texture. Keep them chilled on ice until ready to cook. If buying from a seafood market, try to cook them the same day for guaranteed freshness. With proper handling, live crabs will remain lively for 1-2 days to give you flexibility when preparing your feast!
So now that you know about the fascinating lifespans of different crab species, you can better appreciate these epic ocean survivors next time you crack open their shells for a tasty meal. With proper storage, you can enjoy peak crab flavor by cooking them soon after purchasing. Understanding their biology allows you to gain the most enjoyment from your crab cuisine!
How To Store Leftover Crab Legs + Crab Meat
If you have any leftovers after cooking the crabs, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While some say crab is safe for up to 5 days, I disagree. Crab meat is particularly perishable and the flavor and texture will suffer. and you will risk consuming bad crab past the 3 day mark.
To store crab legs, place them in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or foil and or place them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from leaking in the fridge, drying out and keep them as fresh as possible.
How Long Can Live Crabs Be Kept On Ice
The short answer is 8-48 hours but it depends on the type of crab and the conditions in which it is stored. Live crabs can be kept on ice for up to 24-48 hours at most, but cooking them within 8 hours is recommended.
It is important to cook them immediately if they die. Mud crabs, Dungeness and Snow Crabs can be kept up to 48 hours if conditions are ideal. Blue crabs can be kept alive for up to 24 hours. Read on for how to do it safely and reliably.
Uncooked crabs are extremely perishable and its important to maintain a cold and stress-free environment for optimum results.
How Long Does A Hermit Crab Live?
FAQ
What is the longest living crab?
The Japanese spider crab (Macrocheira kaempferi) is generally considered the longest-living crab species, with a lifespan potentially reaching 100 years.
How old is the oldest crab?
The oldest “true crab” fossil found is Cretapsara athanata, estimated to be 100 million years old. This crab was discovered in amber from the Cretaceous period in Myanmar.
Can crabs live up to 100 years?
This crab’s carapace stays the same size once it becomes an adult, but the legs keep growing. These crabs are thought to live 50 to 100 years. Female Japanese spider crabs can lay up to 1.5 million eggs in a season, but only a few survive.
What is the average lifespan of a crab?
The average lifespan of a crab varies greatly by species, ranging from a few years to over a century. For example, Dungeness crabs typically live for about 10 years, while spider crabs can live for up to 100 years.
How long do crabs live?
Some crabs live for just a year, while others can live for decades. Here are the typical lifespans for some of the most common crab species: As you can see, lifespans range dramatically between crab types. Smaller crab species like fiddler crabs and hermit crabs tend to live just a few years. Larger crab species can reach ages of 10-20 years.
How long do Thai crabs live?
Thai Devil crabs if cared for properly are likely to survive for 8 years. However, Thai Micro Crabs can barely live past 1.5 years. Interesting fact: The title on ‘longest-lived crab’ goes to The Japanese spider crab (Macrocheira kaempferi), which may live for up to 100 years!
Why do crabs live longer than other crabs?
The lifespans of crabs vary dramatically between species for several key reasons: Growth Rate: Fast-growing crab species that quickly reach maximum size have shorter life expectancies overall. Slow growers often live longer. Size: Larger crab species generally live longer than smaller crabs.
How long do spider crabs live?
Their cumbersome shells and harsh environments limit their lifespans compared to many other crab species. The spider crab’s spindly legs can span over 12 feet tip to tip. But despite their huge size, most spider crabs live only 3-4 years. The energy demands of molting their oversized shells may limit their lifespans.
How long do king crabs live?
Ocean researchers have applied growth rates to estimate the largest king crabs at 15-25 years old. Fossil evidence shows extinct crabs related to horseshoe crabs may have lived up to 60 years. A captive hermit crab was reported to have lived for 32 years in an aquarium, surpassing the typical 5-10 year lifespans in the wild.
What factors affect the lifespan of a crab?
Many factors and circumstances affect the lifespan of the crab, including other species (and humans), and the environment. Furthermore, some species of crab have simply evolved to be able to live decades longer than others. Continue reading to learn fast facts about the crab lifespan and what negatively and positively affects it.