Strider Crab (STRY-dur krab)

Walker of the sea depths

The towering, skinny behemoths that walk the ocean floor, strider crabs are perhaps one of the largest crabs on Tierra.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Strider crabs have four incredibly long legs similar to a "Japanese spider crab". Their head and chest are a flat circle, with two eyes and a standard crab mouth in the middle of the front.

Genetics and Reproduction

Mating typically occurs in late spring to summer. They breed like any other crab.

Growth Rate & Stages

Strider crabs take around five years to mature.

Ecology and Habitats

They prefer to live on the sea floor to easily hunt fish with their piercing legs, but will occasionally walk on shore to hunt other beings.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Strider crabs hunt animals such as seagulls, fish and small crabs by piercing them with its sharp front legs in order to consume them. They hunt independently and will eat anything small, even people.

Biological Cycle

During the winter season, strider crabs will never appear on shore and will remain underwater.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Up to three strider crabs can be seen together at a time, although they often work alone unless they are looking to mate.

Domestication

Strider crabs can be used as tall mounts to benefit off of their piercers, but do not have much practical use traversing rough environments as they find it hard to move on them.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Strider crabs are sought after for their crab meat when slain, which is known to be a delicious delicacy. The razor-sharp ends of their legs are inedible, which can instead be used as sharp weapons. Their crab meat has the same effects of regular crab meat, albeit more delicious and in a much larger quantity due to its size. While not very practical, the shells of strider crabs can be used for armor and tools.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Seas and oceans are where strider crabs reside in, submerged in the floor. They can also be seen in beaches.

Average Intelligence

Somewhat smarter than crabs, able to quickly identify prey to attack them.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Small animals that manage to get on the top of its head are often ignored by the strider crab, which gives protection against predators that are no match against the crab.

A strider crab next to an average Terran.

Lifespan

20-30 years

Average Height

6-9 meters / 20-30 ft (standard) 10-11 meters / 30-36 ft (full body)

Average Weight

113 kg / 250 lbs

Average Length

3.5 meters / 11.5 ft

Average Physique

While very skinny, their body is able to support around five times its size, with its legs supporting around three times its size.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Dark red.