| Cancer productus | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Decapoda |
| Suborder: | Pleocyemata |
| Infraorder: | Brachyura |
| Family: | Cancridae |
| Genus: | Cancer |
| Species: | C. productus |
| Binomial name | |
| Cancer productus Randall, 1839 | |
Cancer productus, one of several species known asred rock crabs,[1] is acrab of the genusCancer found on the western coast ofNorth America. This species is commonly nicknamed the Pearl of thePacific Northwest.
Cancer productus hascarapace teeth that are somewhat broad and rounded with teeth between the eyes of nearly equal size and shape. The carapace ofC. productus is widest at the posterior-most tooth, up to 20.0 cm wide. Thepincers are large with distinctive black tips. This species lacks serrations or projections on the ventral side of the claws. Adults have a brick-red coloration throughout. The coloration of juveniles is diverse, often white, sometimes with red spots, or zebra-striped.[2]
Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) has serrations on the dorsal side of thechelipeds and lacks black tips. The graceful rock crab (Metacarcinus gracilis) has a single projection on the dorsal side of the chelipeds and also lacks black tips, and the widest point of carapace is at the second posterior-most tooth. The pygmy rock crab (Glebocarcinus oregonensis) has black-tipped chelipeds, but has largetubercles on the dorsum.Glebocarcinus oregonensis is also much smaller, such that aC. productus of similar size would generally have a striking juvenile coloration.[2]Cancer pagurus is very similar, but distinguished by its non-overlapping range.
Cancer productus ranges fromKodiak Island,Alaska, to Isla San Martine,Baja California. It inhabits mid-intertidal waters to 79 m depth.[3]
Cancer productus iscarnivorous; inPuget Sound it will crushbarnacles with its large pincers for consumption. Small living crabs and deadfish are also eaten. Mating in this species occurs when the female is soft-shelled from October to June in Puget Sound. The male can often been seen guarding females until molting during this time.[4] This species is known to be a favorite prey item of the giant Pacific octopus,Enteroctopus dofleini.[5]
Cancer productus is harvested by sport and commercial fishermen in California, mostly fromMorro Bay south. The California rock crab fishery is made up of three species – the yellow rock crab (C. anthonyi), the brown rock crab (R. antennarium), and the red rock crab (C. productus). Rock crab landings for 1999 were 790,000 pounds and have averaged 1.2 million pounds per year from 1991–1999.[1]
It is not as sought after asDungeness crab due to the considerably lower amount of flesh. However, the flesh has a delicate flavor and slightly sweet taste. The similarCancer pagurus has a major commercial fishery in western Europe. Both males and females with a carapace exceeding 5 inches (130 mm) may be harvested inWashington state, when in season.
Media related toCancer productus at Wikimedia Commons
