Troll Crabs: Everything You Need To Know About This Marine Creature

There are many interesting and frequently elusive animals living in the vast and mysterious ocean depths. The Troll Crab is one such creature that has piqued the interest of ocean lovers. More people are familiar with this crab by other names. Both Sea Life Base and the Marine Life Information Network call it the Norway king crab. The Marine Life Information Network also calls it the Northern Stone Crab. The northern stone Crab is a striking illustration of the interesting biodiversity present in our waters because of its distinctive look and curious behaviours.

What are troll-crabs, and are you interested to know? This article will provide all you need to know about this crab in a very simple way.

We will go deep into the world of the northern stone crab, learning about its traits, environment, and mysterious attractions.

What Is A Troll-Crab?

The Troll Crab is a species of king crab with the scientific name Lithodes maja that lives in the chill water of the North Atlantic Ocean, especially close to the coasts of Norway, Iceland, and the United Kingdom.
Norway is said to be the place where the word “trollkrabbe” first appeared, and the crab there is infamous for its enormous size and frightful look.
All of Norway’s coastline, the area surrounding the Faroe Islands, and the waters off of southeast Greenland are home to the trollkrabbe.
They extend southward from the Davis Strait between Greenland and Canada in the western Atlantic to the United States’ Carolinas.
Deep marine waters are home to these crabs. Being scavengers, they consume a range of aquatic species, such as fish, shellfish, and seaweed.
Its unusual physical characteristics and behaviour, which seem to be evocative of the fabled trolls found in mythology, have earned it the nickname “troll crab” in widespread usage.
Fisherman Jake Anderson used the term “troll crab” on the Discovery Channel television programme Deadliest Catch.
By eliminating the intermediary and selling it directly to restaurants, he believed he could turn it into the next big thing.
Despite not being actively fished for a living economically, these crabs are a favourite among sport fishers because of their excellent flavour.

Unique Qualities:

Average Body Part Size

A genuine Lithodes maja crab or an Atlantic red king crab may be recognised by the following characteristics:

Carapace width 13–14 cm (5.1–5.5 in).

Carapace length 10–12 cm (3.9–4.7 in).

Claw length 7-8 cm ( 2.8–3.1 in).

Weight 2.2–4.4 lb/1-2 kilogramme

It is crucial to keep in mind that these are only normal sizes and that Lithodes maja can come in a variety of sizes.

Appearance

Lithodes maja or northern stone crab has an impressive exterior, with a strong body encased in a thick shell. Their cephalothorax is protected by a wide carapace (shell).

The males may weigh up to 2 kilograms and have carapace widths up to 200 mm.
The abdomen of a female lithodes maja is rather asymmetrical.
With a heart-like form, the crab’s “saddle,” or hump on the rear of the carapace, is pretty obvious.

Strong and covered with spines, its legs provide defence against possible predators. The crab can blend in with its rocky environment because of its varied colour, which ranges from reddish-brown to deep purple.

Powerful Claws

The biggest, strongest characteristic of these Crab is its claws. These claws have a variety of uses, including fighting off dangers, catching prey, and digging tunnels. One claw is bigger and more powerful for smashing prey, while the other is more thin and skilled at delicate manipulation. This allows for specialised roles.

Behaviour and Habitat

Lithodes maja typically lives in depths between 100 and 600 metres (330 to 2,000 feet), preferring rocky terrain and deep-sea conditions.
By using their claws to dig adequate hiding places inside the rocky substrate, they take refuge in cracks and burrows.
Their penchant for rocky environments affords them shelter from predators as well as a plentiful supply of food, such as mollusks, echinoderms, and tiny fish.
Because of its aggressive behaviour, this northern stone crab is frequently compared to a red king crab from Norway, like the Alaskan king crab, Golden king crab, and snow crab. But, they are slightly different from king crabs.

*The difficulties of researching these northern stone crabs in their native habitat have made it difficult to learn much about their precise behaviours. You can also explore more about many other interesting creatures. However, their elusiveness and mystifying attractiveness have aroused interest among researchers and aficionados. They are thought to be solitary animals that emerge from their burrows at night to hunt for food.

What Are King Crabs?

In the Pacific Ocean’s waters, there is a huge, predatory crab called the king crab. The king crab differs from other crabs by being larger, having a reddish or orange colouring, and having long, spindly legs. Fish, squid, and other tiny aquatic creatures are all victims of the king crab’s ferocious appetite. It is also known that king crabs would fight and consume lesser crabs. For its flesh, which is prized as a delicacy, king crabs are gathered. As it frequently ruin their nets and traps, king crabs are also viewed as a problem by many fishermen.

How Do King Crabs And Troll Crabs Vary From One Another?

The Arctic Ocean is normally where one may find king crabs, whereas tropical and subtropical seas are where one can find these troll-crabs, which are also known as lithodes maja.
Compared to king crabs, which may weigh up to 20 pounds, these lithodes maja are significantly smaller.
While these lithodes maja only get to be around 2 feet long, the king crab may go up to 10 feet long.
The king crab is built stronger, with broad legs and a huge body. The lithodes maja, on the other hand, has a smaller size and thinner legs.
They also have several claw kinds that aid in different methods of feeding and reproduction.
Lithodes maja have a lot of vitamins and minerals including selenium, zinc, and vitamin B12 whereas king crabs are richer in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
The lithodes maja is less prized across the world than the king crab, it is nevertheless a delicacy in many regions. This is probably because king crabs have more flesh because they are bigger than other types of crabs.
Although both crabs are members of the same species, as you can see, they are different in terms of size, form, and behaviour.
Additionally, the king crab and lithodes maja are also said to be more aggressive.

What Distinguishes King Crab From Troll Crab?

Although both king crab and lithodes maja are common varieties of crab, you may distinguish them by observing a few crucial differences:

Size

In general, king crabs are bigger than lithodes maja. King crabs may reach lengths of up to 6 feet (1.8 metres) from leg to leg, but lithodes maja are often smaller and have shells that are typically just 6-7 inches (15–18 centimetres) wide.

Shape

The long, spindly legs of king crabs are broader at the base and taper towards the tip. Lithodes maja have shorter legs that are more uniformly sized all around.

Colour

King crabs often have a reddish-brown colour, whereas lithodes maja have a more greenish-brown hue.

Habitat

Lithodes maja are often located in warmer regions, such as the Pacific Northwest, but king crabs are typically found in colder waters, such as the Bering Sea.

Harvesting strategy

Lithodes maja are often taken using smaller traps or lines, whereas king crabs are typically collected using giant pots that are dropped to the ocean floor and then brought back up.

You should be able to tell whether you are aiming at a king crab or a troll crab by observing these differences.

Is Eating Troll Crabs Safe?

According to some Norwegians, Lithodes Maja is safe to consume. They say, “You won’t die eating them”

According to a study report cited by thefishsite.com, even the majority of Norwegian crabs are thought to be non-toxic and free of metal. It is a preferred dish at many restaurants and seafood markets and is liked by seafood lovers.

There are no documented negative effects on one’s health from consuming lithodes maja. However, in order to eradicate any dangerous germs, the crab must be cooked properly.

Health Benefits:

Because they are a wonderful source of lean protein and other elements including vitamins and minerals, lithodes maja may be a component of a balanced diet.

Vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium, which are essential for a healthy immune system, neurological system, and overall health, are found in abundance in northern stone crabs.

These crabs may be included in a nutritious and balanced diet, but it’s crucial to remember that they can be heavy in salt and cholesterol. As such, they should be included in a diet with a variety of foods and eaten in moderation. It’s also critical to think about the preparation and cooking methods used, since frying or using thick sauces might result in the addition of extra calories and bad fats.

How Much Meat Does A Troll Crab Have?

A lithodes maja may provide anything from half a pound to one pound of flesh. And the weight from the legs might range from 80 to 100 grammes. 10 huge prawns are equivalent to 10 troll crab claws in terms of meat.

The white, sparse, and hard flesh of northern stone crabs is delectable. As the purest form of happiness, this flesh provides you a straightforward slice of crab.

Compared to pocket crab flesh, this is a little bit drier. Its lean, dry flesh is the explanation for this, as opposed to the fatty meat of other common king crab species.

If you gently break the joints instead of using force to separate them, it will be simple to retrieve the meat from the bones.

Eliminating the joint restrictions is a crucial component of the method. There isn’t much flesh, which is necessary so that it may be removed from claws in a single, lovely, entire piece.

How Should Troll Crabs Be Prepared?

If you can find canned crab flesh, great. However, you may use the following technique to prepare freshly obtained crab meat:

Cooking Procedure:

Add 2 teaspoons of salt per litre of water to the pot in order to bring it to a boil.
When the water is boiling, add the crab and make sure it is well buried by covering it with a heavy lid.
Be cautious not to let it simmer for more than 12 to 13 minutes.

Troll crab Recipes:

A number of cuisines can employ the adaptable ingredient of crab meat. The following are some popular lithodes maja dishes:

Cakes of Crab

Crab flesh that has been boiled and shredded is combined with eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. The mixture is then formed into patties and pan-fried until crispy on the exterior and soft on the inside. Serve alongside tartar or aioli sauce.

Crab Dip

To create a creamy and savoury dip, combine finely chopped crab flesh with sour cream, cream cheese, and seasonings. With bread or crackers for dipping.

Crab Linguine

A straightforward yet tasty pasta meal may be made by tossing prepared linguine with sautéed garlic, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, and pieces of crab flesh.

Crab Salad

For a light and healthful salad, combine diced avocado, cucumber, and tomato with sliced crab flesh. Apply a simple vinaigrette or citrus dressing.

Mushrooms Stuffed with Crab

Remove the stems from the mushrooms and fill with a mixture of cheese, breadcrumbs, seasonings, and cooked crab flesh. Cook in the oven until golden brown and serve as a tasty starter.

Bisque of Crab

Fresh crab flesh, cream, and spices are used to create this thick and savoury soup. For a sumptuous and warming supper, serve with crusty bread.

These are only a few of the mouthwatering recipes for troll crab. Discover your favourite recipes and culinary techniques by experimenting with various ones!

Concluded:

A place of interest in the world of marine life is held by these northern stone crabs because of its unique look and intriguing behaviours. Due to its elusiveness, this fascinating crustacean is cloaked in mystery, yet it serves as a reminder of the treasures that exist beneath the ocean’s surface. We can support the preservation of these amazing creatures as well as the preservation of the ocean’s priceless biodiversity by fostering our awareness of species like the lithodes maja and promoting responsible ocean management. The Troll Crab may be endangered by human activities like deep-sea fishing, as do many other species that live in the ocean’s depths. The preservation of their ecosystems and preserving their long-term existence depend heavily on sustainable fishing methods and preventative actions. It is important to preserve the delicate balance of the ecosystems in our seas, hence efforts are being undertaken to research and monitor lithodes maja populations.