SPEAKER_00 0:04

What if I told you? There's a crab with legs longer than a car that lives deep in the ocean. It looks almost like an underwater alien. It's real, and it's one of the strangest creatures in the ocean. The Japanese spider crab. I'm your host, Garrett Maroon. And before I introduce my three favorite deep sea explorers, remember, if you want to say hi to the Nature Loving Kids, suggest an animal, or get a birthday shout out, email us at Nature LovingKidsPodcast at gmail.com.

SPEAKER_01 1:13

Hi, I'm Hattie, and I'm excited because this was my topic. And I'm Dylan, and I want to know how big the crab really is. And I'm Ivy, and I'm ready for some jokes.

SPEAKER_00 1:26

Today we're exploring one of the largest crabs in the world. The Japanese spider crab is a giant crab that lives deep in the ocean near Japan. It gets its name because of its extremely long legs that look a little bit like spider legs.

SPEAKER_01 1:45

So how big are we talking?

SPEAKER_00 1:48

From one leg tip to the other, they can stretch up to 12 feet wide.

SPEAKER_01 1:54

12 feet? What?

SPEAKER_00 1:55

Yes, that's wider than most rooms.

SPEAKER_01 1:59

That's not a crab, that's a crabzilla!

SPEAKER_00 2:05

It definitely feels that way. Their long legs help them move across the ocean floor in search for food. Even though they look scary, they're actually pretty slow and gentle.

SPEAKER_01 2:20

So they're not giant hunters?

SPEAKER_00 2:22

No, they mostly eat dead animals, plants, shellfish, and things they find on the ocean floor. They're more like giant ocean cleaners. Spider crabs are also very good at hiding.

SPEAKER_01 2:38

They sometimes attach sponges, algae, and sea creatures to their shell. So they decorate themselves.

SPEAKER_00 2:47

Exactly. It helps them blend into the ocean floor so predators don't notice them.

SPEAKER_01 2:53

That's like underwater camouflage.

SPEAKER_00 2:56

Perfect description. Alright, time for some crab jokes. What do you have for us, Ivy?

SPEAKER_01 3:07

What did the spider crab say to the other spider crab?

unknown 3:11

What?

SPEAKER_01 3:13

Spider Joe's. That makes no sense. Why don't crabs share? Why? Because they're shellfish. Hey everyone, Hattie here. If you like this podcast and want bedtime stories for kids, check out my dad's podcast called Lantern Hollow.

SPEAKER_00 3:39

Japanese spider crabs live deep underwater, where it's cold, dark, and quiet.

SPEAKER_01 3:46

So people don't see them often?

SPEAKER_00 3:48

Not usually. They spend much of their lives crawling slowly across the ocean floor.

SPEAKER_01 3:55

Because they live so deep, scientists are still learning about them.

SPEAKER_00 4:01

Here's something really interesting. Spider crabs have hard shells called exoskeletons. But as they grow, they have to shed their shell. This is called molting.

SPEAKER_01 4:14

So they climb out of their old shell?

SPEAKER_00 4:17

Exactly. For a little while afterward, their new shell is soft and vulnerable until it hardens. When we look at creatures like the spider crab, it reminds us of something important. God didn't only create cute or familiar animals, he also created creatures that are strange, unusual, gigantic, and mysterious.

SPEAKER_01 4:42

Like giant crabs with super long legs.

SPEAKER_00 4:45

Exactly. And even the weirdest creatures show creativity and design in nature.

SPEAKER_01 4:52

And bonus fact, and the babies are so small that the mommy can have up to one million a year. That's a lot of babies.

SPEAKER_00 5:08

Alright, time for one more crab joke break. What do you have for us, kiddos?

SPEAKER_01 5:14

Why did the crab invite his friends over for a party? Why? He wanted to celebrate. Why did the crab cross the road? Why? To get to the other tide.

SPEAKER_00 5:31

Think about this. Deep in the ocean, there are giant crabs walking slowly across the seafloor with legs longer than a person is tall.

SPEAKER_01 5:42

The ocean is much crazier than people realize.

SPEAKER_00 5:45

It really is. There are still so many hidden wonders left to discover. Japanese spider crabs may look strange, but they are one of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean. From giant legs to camouflage skills, they remind us that nature is full of incredible surprises. Thanks for joining us on the Nature Loving Kids Podcast.

SPEAKER_01 6:20

If you like this episode, share it with a friend. And remember, click the bell button. New episode every Wednesday. And please leave a review. We read every one. I'd love to eat one of those crap lads. And I love killing crab jokes.

SPEAKER_00 6:37

Until next time, stay curious, get outside, and remember, the world is full of wild wonders.