The Dungeness crab is one of the most iconic seafood species along the West Coast. With its spiky shell and large intimidating claws, the Dungeness crab has a very distinctive look. But what exactly does this delicious crustacean look like? In this article, I’ll provide a complete visual guide to the Dungeness crab’s appearance.
The Unique Shape of the Dungeness Crab
The most recognizable feature of the Dungeness crab is its shape. It has a wide triangular-oval body that is much broader than it is long. The top shell (carapace) extends out well beyond the legs giving it that classic crab profile.
Dungeness crabs are one of the larger crab species, typically measuring 6 to 10 inches across at maturity. Their body alone is around 4 inches wide They have an almost alien or prehistoric appearance, with their broad body and spindly pointed legs When you see one scuttling across the seafloor, its distinctive shape makes it easy to identify as a Dungeness.
Coloring: Reddish-Brown Shell with White-Tipped Legs
The shell or carapace of a Dungeness crab is a deep reddish-brown color similar to an old copper penny. It often has a mottled look with small white or gray flecks speckled across the shell. There are also lighter patches along the sides of the carapace.
The legs are banded with sections of white, reddish-orange, and brown. The tips of the legs are bright white, making them look like they are dipped in white paint. The underside of the crab is a lighter beige or yellowish hue.
The claws are the same dark reddish brown as the main shell and are tipped with black. This coloring provides excellent camouflage when the Dungeness crab is hiding amongst the colorful plants and animals on the seafloor.
Large, Uneven Pincers or Claws
The Dungeness crab has two big front claws that are essential for defense and catching prey. The claws are called chelipeds and they are uneven in size. The dominant claw is usually on the right side – it’s bigger and stronger than the other claw.
The claws are covered in small bumps and nodules and have black tips. They can grow to impressive sizes at maturity, sometimes over 3 inches long! The rear legs end in much smaller claws called chelae.
Ten Spindly Walking Legs
In addition to its two front claws, the Dungeness crab has four pairs of long, thin walking legs. These are called pereopods. The legs are covered in tiny hairs and help the crab scuttle along the ocean bottom as well as grasp and tear apart food.
The rear two pairs of legs are paddle-shaped at the ends, almost like little scoops. They can grow up to 5 inches long! The front two pairs of legs end in small pincers or chelae. Altogether the ten legs give the crab excellent mobility and grasping capability.
Two Prominent Eyes on Eyestalks
Dungeness crabs have two large compound eyes that sit on short eyestalks extending out from the front of the shell. This gives the crab a wide range of vision to detect predators approaching from above or the sides. Their eyes are very sensitive to movement.
There are also two small antennae between the eyes that help detect chemicals in the water, allowing the crab to smell. The lining of the crab’s mouth and underside is also sensitive to chemicals. Together, its sensory organs allow it to find food, mates, and potential threats.
Distinct Markings on the Abdomen
The abdomen or tail area of a Dungeness crab is narrower than the wide carapace and folded up underneath for protection. It has a distinctive pattern of markings. There is a large central black spot, outlined in white and orange, on the top center of the abdomen. More black and white banding extends down the sides.
On mature female crabs, the abdomen is rounded and wide to accommodate carrying eggs. Females are easily identified by their broad, dome-shaped abdomen.
Determining a Dungeness Crab’s Gender
Speaking of males and females, a common question is how to determine the gender of a Dungeness crab. Here are some tips:
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Females have a rounded, broad abdomen while males have a narrow triangular abdomen. This is the easiest identifier.
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Males tend to have larger claws, especially the dominant crusher claw.
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Mature females are often slightly smaller than males on average.
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Look at the flap shape – males have a narrow triangular flap, females have a rounded oval one.
Molting Allows Growth
One unique aspect of crabs is that they must periodically shed their exoskeleton in a process called molting. This allows them to grow, since their tough outer shell doesn’t grow with them. During molting, a crab will find a safe spot and literally crawl out of its old shell!
For a few weeks after molting, the new shell is very soft and vulnerable. Molting also enables damaged limbs to be regenerated, although they will be smaller at first. Young crabs may molt 6-8 times in their first 2 years before reaching maturity.
Tips for Picking Fresh Dungeness Crab
Now that you know what Dungeness crabs look like, here are some tips for picking out fresh crab:
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Look for active, feisty crabs in tanks, not lethargic or motionless ones. Their legs should curl under when picked up.
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Make sure there are no cracks, missing limbs, or puncture holes in the shell.
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The underside should look clean, not covered in debris or marine growth.
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Fresh crabs have a mild ocean scent. Avoid any with a strong fishy or ammonia smell.
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The eyes should be clear black, not cloudy or milky.
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Refrigerate live crabs and cook within 1-2 days for best flavor. Cooked crabs keep 3-4 days refrigerated.
With their unique shape, giant claws, and reddish-brown shell, Dungeness crabs have a truly iconic appearance. Use this guide to help you identify them and pick out the best fresh crab for your next seafood feast!
Identifying soft-shelled crab Image
Crabs belong to a group of animals called arthropods whose skeletal support is provided by a “shell” outside their bodies. Growth is problematic because the old shell must be shed and a larger one formed in its place. This process, called molting, occurs many times through the crabs lifetime. Dungeness crabs molt about 12 times by age 2, and then approximately once a year through age 6.
Data within Puget Sound suggests that while a given area may have one or two “peaks” of molting crab during the year, not all individual crabs adhere strictly to this pattern. Just before molting, the crab has formed the basic “template” of a new shell underneath its older shell. At this time, calcium is absorbed from the old shell and it becomes somewhat flexible. The old shell splits at the back of the crab and it backs out of its old skeleton — even the eye stalk and gill coverings remain with the old shell.
This early stage soft-shelled crab is extremely vulnerable to damage and predation, and will remain hidden or buried in sediment for a few days as the new shell expands and starts to harden. Biologists have noted that it is uncommon to capture these early stage soft-shelled crabs in baited traps. Within a few days, the mid-stage soft-shelled crab will become an active, voracious feeder. For the next two to three months, its shell will continue to harden while muscle tissue builds within the expanded body. During this time, the soft-shelled crab is likely to be captured in traps and is quite vulnerable to shell damage.
Box crab or king crab
Two deepwater species that are occasionally seen in Puget Sound and also occur in deep water off the coast are the box crab and its close relative, the king crab. The latter is called the king crab because of its large size when fully grown (up to 10 inches wide) but is not to be confused with the commercial king crab of Alaska. These crabs are more apt to be seen by divers than fishers with pots. Both are covered with wart-like tubercles and spines and resemble a rough box when their legs and claws are folded against the body. The box crab gets its name from the opening or foramen formed from matching semicircular notches in the claws and first walking legs. When the legs are folded tightly, water enters the gill cavity through this round opening. In the king crab this opening is absent.
Several species of tiny shore crabs can be found on Washington beaches. Contrary to what many believe, these are not the young of larger ocean crabs, but are simply small sized species. Under most rocks on Puget Sound shores you can find tiny black or gray hairy shore crabs ranging in size from smaller than a fingertip to about the size of a half-dollar. These are of two species, Hemigrapsus nudus and H. oregonensis.
Facts: The Dungeness Crab
FAQ
How is Dungeness crab different from regular crab?
Dungeness crab has a sweet, succulent taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Dungeness crab legs are a true delicacy with a firmer texture than the body meat. In comparison, King crab has a milder flavor, almost to the point of being generic.
Why is Dungeness crab special?
Flavor: Compared to other crab, Dungeness crab have a sweet, delicate flavor that is prized by many seafood lovers. They are known for their tender and juicy meat, which has a slightly nutty flavor. Habitat: They are primarily found along the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska to California.
What is the tastiest crab to eat?
Dungeness crab is one of the best crabs to eat since it has large, meaty legs like King crab. The sweet, flaky meat inside one whole crab can serve two people, making it the perfect meal for a romantic dinner with your significant other.