Takaashigani (Giant deep-sea spider crab)
Long-legged Takaashigani, often called a “living fossil”

About Takaashigani (Giant deep-sea spider crab)

Takaashigani, or Japanese spider crab, is the world’s largest crab. It lives at depths of 200–500 meters in Suruga Bay and is a specialty of Heda in Numazu City.
Large specimens can span more than three meters from leg to leg. Often boiled whole with its long legs folded in, it makes an imposing sight.
Despite its size, the crab has a delicate flavor. The meat is tender, light and slightly sweet, though it contains plenty of moisture and relatively little meat.
The generous amount of crab miso—the rich contents of the shell—is especially delicious when the crab is steamed. It is also tasty grilled, tempura-fried or served in rice porridge.
Shizuoka Prefecture has Japan’s largest catch of Takaashigani.

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