Crabs of the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is home to a diverse range of marine life, including various species of crabs. These crabs are an important part of the region’s ecosystem and are a popular seafood delicacy. The Pacific Northwest’s cold and nutrient-rich waters provide the perfect habitat for different types of crabs, from the well-known Dungeness crab to the elusive Puget Sound king crab. In this article, we will explore the different species of crabs found in the Pacific Northwest.
Different Types of Crabs in the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is well-known for its crab fishery, with a variety of crab species found in the region’s waters. Some of the most common types of crabs found in the Pacific Northwest include the Dungeness crab, red rock crab, kelp crab, Puget Sound king crab, box crab, snow crab, Tanner crab, decorator crab, and hermit crab.
Each of these crab species has unique physical characteristics and habitat preferences. Some species are prized for their meat, while others are important for their ecological role in the ecosystem. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most noteworthy crab species found in the Pacific Northwest.
Dungeness Crab: The Most Popular Crab in the Region
The Dungeness crab is the most well-known and commercially important crab in the Pacific Northwest. These crabs are prized for their sweet, delicate meat, making them a popular seafood item. They are typically found in shallow waters along the coastline from Alaska to California. Dungeness crabs are easily identified by their distinct, oval-shaped shells and large claws. They can grow up to 10 inches wide and weigh up to 2 pounds.
Red Rock Crab: A Common Sight in Rocky Areas
Red rock crabs are a common sight along the rocky areas of the Pacific Northwest coastline. These crabs have a reddish-brown shell and can be easily identified by the black tips on their claws. They are typically found in intertidal zones and rocky areas, feeding on small crustaceans, mollusks, and algae. Red rock crabs are not as commercially important as Dungeness crabs, but they are still enjoyed as a seafood delicacy.
Kelp Crab: The Camouflaged Crab of the Pacific
Kelp crabs are easily recognizable by their camouflage colors that blend with the surrounding kelp forests. They have a greenish-brown shell and long, slender legs. Kelp crabs are typically found in shallow tidal pools, where they feed on small invertebrates and algae. While not commonly eaten, kelp crabs are an important part of the Pacific Northwest’s ecosystem, as they help control the population of small invertebrates.
Puget Sound King Crab: The Elusive Crab of the Sound
The Puget Sound king crab is a rare and elusive species found in the deep waters of the Puget Sound. These crabs have a reddish-brown shell and are easily identifiable by their large size and long, spindly legs. Puget Sound king crabs are not commercially fished, but they are occasionally caught by recreational fishermen.
Box Crab: The Square-Shaped Crab of the Northwest
The box crab is a unique-looking species with a square-shaped shell and long claws. They are typically found in shallow waters and rocky areas, feeding on small invertebrates and algae. Box crabs are not as commonly eaten as Dungeness crabs, but they are still enjoyed as a seafood delicacy.
Snow Crab: The Delicious Crab of the Bering Sea
Snow crabs are a popular seafood item, known for their sweet, delicate meat. They are typically found in the deep waters of the Bering Sea, where they feed on small invertebrates and fish. Snow crabs have a reddish-brown shell and long, spindly legs. They are commercially fished and are a significant source of income for fishermen in the region.
Tanner Crab: The King of the Deep Sea
Tanner crabs, also known as snow crabs, are a deep-sea crab species found in the North Pacific Ocean. These crabs have a reddish-brown shell and long, spindly legs. They are typically found in deep waters, feeding on small invertebrates and fish. Tanner crabs are commercially fished and are a significant source of income for fishermen in the region.
Decorator Crab: The Crab that Adorns Itself
Decorator crabs are a unique species that use their surroundings to adorn themselves with camouflage materials. These crabs have a reddish-brown shell and long, slender legs. They are typically found in shallow waters and rocky areas, where they use their surroundings to blend in and hide from predators. Decorator crabs are not commonly eaten, but they are an important part of the Pacific Northwest’s ecosystem.
Hermit Crab: The Crab that Lives in a Shell
Hermit crabs are a common sight on Pacific Northwest beaches, where they are often found living in abandoned shells. These crabs have a soft, spiral-shaped body and long, slender legs. They are typically found in shallow tidal pools, where they feed on small invertebrates and algae. Hermit crabs are not commonly eaten, but they are an important part of the Pacific Northwest’s ecosystem.
Conclusion: A Rich Diversity of Crabs in the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is home to a rich diversity of crab species, each with unique physical characteristics and habitat preferences. From the well-known Dungeness crab to the elusive Puget Sound king crab, the region’s crabs play an important role in the ecosystem and are a popular seafood delicacy. Understanding these different crab species is key to appreciating the rich biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest and the importance of preserving its marine habitats.
