Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) Introduction: The Dungeness crab, Metacarcinus magister (formerly: Cancer magister), is also known as market crab, and San Francisco crab and belongs to the family Cancridae. The common name of this species comes from the port of Dungeness, Washington. This species is among California’s most popular shellfish and is one of the largest edible crabs along the Pacific Coast of America. The estimated maximum life span is from 8 to 13 years. Geographical range and habitats: The geographical range of Dungeness crab extends from Alaska's Aleutian Islands to Point Conception, California. They inhabit eelgrass beds and are usually found on sandy or sand-mud bottoms. Dungeness crabs generally prefer cooler northern …show more content…
The abdomen in female, or tail flap, is much broader than in the male crab. This broad tail flap allows accommodate and protect the very large number of eggs till hatching. In both male and female, the tip of the last segment of the tail flap is rounded. At the age of 4 to 5 years, the crab may weigh between 1 to 1.5 …show more content…
Crab pots or traps which are designed to only capture the target crab of legal-sized, Crab pots and traps are generally designed to target a particular species, which means that under-size crabs and accidental capture is usually rare. Moreover, as the pots or traps do not injure the captured animals, it is easy to release any unwanted species or undersized crabs. Because crab pots and traps sit stationary on the seafloor in one location, they do not cause significant habitat