Alaskan waters are home to three primary commercial species: , Blue , and Golden king crabs.

: To grow, they must shed their hard exoskeleton in a process called molting. Juveniles molt several times a year, while older adults may only molt every two years.

: Young crabs (under five years old) gather in massive groups called "pods" that can contain thousands of individuals, likely as a defense against predators like sea otters and fish during their vulnerable molting stages. The Industry and Harvesting

The king crab industry is an economic pillar for Alaska, worth billions annually. King Crab, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

: They are among the world's largest arthropods; males can weigh up to 24 pounds with a leg span reaching 6 feet. They can live for 20 to 30 years.