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Dungeness Crab

Metacarcinus magister

Also known as

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About the Dungeness Crab

The Dungeness Crab is a robust crustacean, easily identified by its broad, oval-shaped carapace, which can reach up to 20 cm (7.9 in) in width. Its coloration typically ranges from a purplish-brown to olive-brown on top, often with lighter undersides. They possess ten legs, including five pairs, with the foremost pair being strong pincers used for defense and feeding. The distinctive saw-toothed edges along the front of their shell are a key identification feature.

Source: FishBase & iNaturalist

Habitat

These crabs prefer sandy or muddy bottoms, often found in estuaries, bays, and offshore waters along the continental shelf. They thrive in eelgrass beds and other soft-bottom environments, ranging from the intertidal zone down to depths of several hundred feet.

Distribution

The Dungeness Crab is endemic to the west coast of North America, with its range extending from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska south to Santa Barbara, California. They are particularly abundant in coastal waters from British Columbia to central California.

Behaviour

Dungeness Crabs are primarily nocturnal scavengers and opportunistic predators, feeding on a varied diet of clams, worms, small crustaceans, and fish. They are active movers, scuttling along the seafloor in search of food. During molting periods, they become more reclusive, hiding until their new shell hardens. Their seasonal movements can be influenced by water temperature, food availability, and reproductive cycles, often moving into shallower bays during spring and summer.

Edibility

★★★★★

Highly prized for its delicate, sweet, and tender white meat, the Dungeness Crab is considered one of the finest edible crabs. The succulent meat is found in both the body and the legs, making it a popular choice for a variety of culinary preparations.

Lure suggestion

Anglers target Dungeness Crabs primarily using baited crab pots, traps, or snares. Effective baits include raw chicken, fish carcasses (especially oily ones like salmon or mackerel), clams, and squid, placed inside a secured bait holder within the trap. When setting pots, consider areas with sandy or muddy bottoms near eelgrass beds in depths ranging from 10 to 100 feet. Ensure your gear is properly weighted and marked according to local regulations.