Largest crab by leg span

The current largest crab by leg span record is 12′ 1.3″, held by Japanese giant spider crab (Macrocheira kaempferi). Last checked October 14, 2026.

12′ 1.3″

Japanese giant spider crab (Macrocheira kaempferi)

Off the southeastern coast of Japan; the largest specimen was displayed at Sea Life Scheveningen, The Hague, Netherlands.

Holder: Japanese giant spider crab (Macrocheira kaempferi)
Record: 12′ 1.3″
Metric: 3.69 m
Exact figure: 3.69 m (12 ft 1.5 in) leg span
Location: Off the southeastern coast of Japan; the largest specimen was displayed at Sea Life Scheveningen, The Hague, Netherlands.
Recognized by: Guinness World Records
Last checked: October 14, 2026

Sources

Spotted an error or a newer record? Use the form below with a source link.

Spotted something out of date?

Know a different record we're missing? Tip us off

Every Monday: the world records that were broken or newly set that week. Unsubscribe any time.