Rock Crab

Commercially fished rock crabs – red, brown and yellow – occur along the West Coast from Alaska to Baja California. They inhabit a variety of habitats, depending on the species, in waters up to 500 feet deep. Rock crab are distinguished by a broad outer shell and large crushing claws. They grow by molting, shedding their old shells and hardening new shells, and molt several times before reaching full maturity. Rock crab use their strong claws to prey on shelled marine life such as snails, clams, abalone, barnacles and oysters. Common predators include fishes like cabezon, sand bass and rockfish, as well as octopus and sea stars.

Overall availability

Rock crab is fished year-round in California and is sold as a live product. 

Management

Rock crab are fished using commercial traps. The fishery is managed by California Department of Fish and Wildlife.