Snow crab

Snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) is a species of crab that lives in the Atlantic Ocean and the northern Pacific Ocean. It is also known as the queen crab in Canada and the spider crab in some parts of the world.

Description

The snow crab is a large crab, with males reaching up to 15 cm in carapace width and females up to 10 cm. The body of the snow crab is covered in a hard exoskeleton that protects it from predators. The crab's color varies from brownish to reddish-orange.

Habitat

Snow crabs are found in the cold waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, particularly in the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms and are usually found at depths of 20 to 200 meters.

Diet

The diet of the snow crab consists mainly of benthic organisms such as worms, clams, and small fish. They are also known to eat other crabs, including their own species.

Commercial Importance

Snow crabs are a significant part of the commercial fishing industry in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and Japan. They are caught using crab pots, a type of trap that is baited with fish or other food items. The crabs are then processed and sold as food, often in the form of crab legs.

Conservation

While snow crabs are not currently listed as an endangered species, they are subject to overfishing. Regulations have been put in place in many areas to limit the number of crabs that can be caught in order to ensure the sustainability of the species.

See Also

• Crustacean
• Commercial fishing
• Bering Sea
• Gulf of Saint Lawrence