Red Rock Crab carapace
Scientific Name: Cancer productus
Category: other
Brief Description
The discarded upper shell (carapace) of a Red Rock Crab resting on a bed of seaweed and pebbles.
Characteristics
Brick-red color, broad and smooth carapace with a scalloped front edge featuring five teeth between the eyes. Note the 'pie-crust' style edging.
Habitat
Intertidal and subtidal zones, often found in rocky areas, kelp beds, or estuaries.
When to Find It
Commonly found washed up as molts (empty shells) during spring and summer growing seasons.
Conservation Status
N/A
Ecological Role
Scavenger and predator that controls populations of barnacles and snails; the shell provides calcium back to the environment.
Easily Confused With
Dungeness Crab (Metacarcinus magister), which has a more pointed carapace edge and is generally lighter/browner in color.
Observation Tips
Look for these in tide pools or among beach wrack (dead seaweed at high tide line). Handle carefully as edges can be sharp.
Interesting Facts
Unlike Dungeness crabs, Red Rock Crabs have heavy, black-tipped claws which they use to crush the shells of their prey.