Red Rock Crab
Scientific Name: Cancer productus
Category: other
Brief Description
A medium-sized marine crustacean known for its thick carapaces and strong, black-tipped claws, commonly found in Pacific Northwest tide pools.
Characteristics
Broad, heavy, fan-shaped shell with a deep brick-red color. The claws (chelipeds) are large and powerful with prominent black tips. Juveniles can exhibit varied patterns with white stripes or spots, but adults are typically solid dark red.
Habitat
Intertidal and subtidal zones, specifically rocky shorelines, kelp beds, and mud/sandy bottoms with nearby cover.
When to Find It
Year-round; best observed during low tide when they are trapped in tide pools or under rocks.
Conservation Status
Not listed / Common
Ecological Role
Functions as both a scavenger and an active predator of barnacles, snails, and other small invertebrates, helping to regulate intertidal populations.
Easily Confused With
Dungeness Crab (Metacarcinus magister), which has white-tipped claws and a smoother, lighter-colored shell (tan to purple-ish).
Observation Tips
Look under rocks at low tide, but be extremely careful as they have a painful pinch. Always return rocks to their original position to protect the habitat.
Interesting Facts
Unlike the Dungeness crab, the Red Rock Crab's shell is extremely thick and heavy, making it difficult for predators to crack. The rosary beads shown in the photograph are a man-made object likely lost or placed as an offering, contrasting with the natural marine life.
User Notes
Washington state beach