It’s a sad day for fans of Howie the Crab, the rainbow crab from Omaha who captured hearts worldwide with her charming antics.
Howie passed away on February 18th, 2025, at the age of 9, far surpassing the typical lifespan of her species, which is around 3-5 years in captivity.
Her owner, Laura Porter, shared the news with a heavy heart, describing Howie as a beloved companion who lived a remarkable life filled with love, tiny hats, and, of course, her famous caviar feasts.
Howie first scuttled into the spotlight in 2022 when a TikTok video of Laura cleaning her shell with a toothbrush went viral.
From there, her adventures (wearing custom made hats, eating luxurious treats like caviar and cheese, and even using sign language to communicate) earned her over a million followers across social media.
She wasn’t just a pet; she was a personality, showing the world that crabs could be sentient, playful, and deeply connected to their humans.
The Social Pie Network! 