Species · GBIF taxon 5863764
Dungeness Crab
Metacarcinus magisterAlso known as Market Crab, Commercial Crab, Pacific Crab
Dungeness crabs are robust crustaceans featuring a broad, hard carapace that ranges from yellowish-brown to purple. They use their powerful, white-tipped claws to forage along sandy seafloors and shelter in dense eelgrass beds. During the day, they often bury themselves completely in the sediment to avoid predators, leaving only their eyes and antennae exposed.
MarineCrustaceanBottom-Dweller
- diet
- Carnivorous diet consisting of clams, mussels, small crabs, marine worms, and fish
- family
- Cancridae
- threats
- Ocean acidification, habitat degradation, overfishing, and warming sea temperatures
- life Span
- Up to 8 to 10 years
NE
Equipped with powerful claws that can deliver a painful pinch; handle with care behind the carapace.
Possesses exceptionally strong claws designed for crushing shells, which can easily crush fingers or break skin.
Support the crab from the underside of the rear carapace, keeping fingers well away from the front pincers.- Safe Handling: Always pick up a crab from the rear, holding it firmly behind the walking legs to avoid the claws.
- Observe in Tidepools: Look for juveniles in shallow estuaries and tidepools during low tide, especially near eelgrass.
- Respect Regulations: Check local size limits and sex restrictions, as only mature males are typically harvested.