Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 2222079
Red Rock Crab
Cancer productusAlso known as Pacific Red Rock Crab, Brick-Red Crab
Red rock crabs patrol rocky Pacific intertidal reefs and subtidal kelp forests, using exceptionally strong, black-tipped pincers to crush thick-shelled barnacles and clams. Juveniles display remarkably varied color patterns ranging from striped to stark white before adopting the solid brick-red coloration of mature adults. Highly territorial and aggressive when cornered, these heavy-bodied scavengers play a crucial role in regulating invertebrate populations along the North American coastline.
MarineCrustaceanIntertidal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Acorn Barnacles
- Blue Mussels
- Littleneck Clams
Predators
- Giant Pacific Octopus
- Sea Otters
- Sea Gulls
ThreatsHabitat disturbance, ocean acidification, coastal pollution
HabitatsRocky intertidal, subtidal reefs, kelp beds
Life span5–8 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderDecapoda
- FamilyCancridae
- GenusCancer
- SpeciesCancer productus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Powerful claws can crush shells and cause severe pinches; handle only from the rear carapace.
- Why it is dangerous
- Powerful, thick pincers generate immense crushing force capable of breaking skin or bruising fingers severely.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Features a wide, heavy brick-red shell with dark black tips on both pincers.
- What to do
- Approach from behind and firmly grip the back edge of the carapace to stay clear of pincers.
Responsible observation
- Tidepooling Etiquette: Observe crabs in tidepools without lifting or disturbing rocks that shelter marine life.
- Safe Handling: Hold the rear carapace between thumb and index finger if handling is necessary.
- Shell Identification: Look for distinctive black-tipped claws to distinguish from similar crabs.
Competitor no rights reserved · cc0
Predator "Giant Pacific Octopus" by jurvetson is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Lisa Zhang, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Lisa Zhang · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Ian Manning, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ian Manning · cc-by
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