Howie the Crab, Who Went Viral for Eating Caviar, Dies at Age 9: 'Completely Heartbroken'

Howie the Crab died at age 9 on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Laura Porter, owner of the pet crustacean, announced the news of Howie's death on Instagram in a post paired with a lengthy tribute to her beloved animal.

"I am completely broken. I cannot begin to tell you how much she meant to me," Porter wrote in the caption shared on Wednesday, Feb. 19. "Howie passed away peacefully, with dignity and in comfort. I hope that our message continues to resonate with the world."

"Crabs are sentient and feel pain. Never boil crabs or any animal alive," she continued. "Howie was old, and this was the natural end to her extraordinarily long life. Thank you to everyone who reached out, but please know that I am completely overwhelmed."

The photo paired with the caption featured an image of Howie with a text overlay that stated his 10-year lifespan. The crab was born on June 24, 2015, and died on Feb. 18, 2025.

Related: Crab Goes Viral for Surprising Behavior — She Eats Caviar, Wears Hats and Uses Sign Language (Exclusive)

Porter captured the hearts of nearly 2 million followers across social media platforms as she posted about Howie's daily activities.

Particularly, Howie captivated onlookers for her expensive taste. Caviar is just one of the surprising foods the crab consumed courtesy of her Nebraska-based owner.

Fans of Howie swarmed the comments with tributes of their own to the beloved shelled animal.

"Love you Howie! Rip baby girl. Kids will read about you in school one day! Have no regrets Laura, you were the best mom Howie could ever have! ❤️❤️❤️ and she passed knowing how much you love her!" wrote one user.

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"Howie touched me in a way I never expected. I loved her. Thank you so very much for sharing her with us. She had a full rich life and I am grateful she had a peaceful dignified passing. I know she is over the rainbow enjoying some caviar in a terrific hat. Prayers and love to your family," penned another.

In April 2024, Porter spoke with PEOPLE exclusively about her then-8-year-old crab who was already several years older than her species' life expectancy. At the time, her fans were hoping the online crustacean sensation would make it to her ninth birthday.

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Although Porter received a range of comments about raising the crab as a pet since first going viral on TikTok in February 2022 — when she shared a video cleaning Howie by scrubbing her shell with a toothbrush — she ultimately found a group of supporters within the mix.

"My tribe of animal lovers, not just the furry kind,” the former banking professional told PEOPLE of those in her corner. "The people that love all animals were supportive and wanted to learn more about Howie."

Howie is of the Cardisoma Armatum species, more commonly known as the rainbow crab. She communicates by sign language, which she learned by watching Porter during feeding time.

"She has always been able to distinguish me from other people and family members,” Porter told PEOPLE of Howie.

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