Dungeness Crab – Metacarcinus magister. West coast crab species that gets its name from Dungeness, Washington.
Identifying Characteristics and Biology
- Dungeness crabs are North American West coast crustaceans.
- They get their name from Dungeness, Washington, an unincorporated port town.
- The color is purplish-brown with typically white pinchers.
- They grow up to about 8 inches across the carapace.
Habitat and Range
- Dungeness crabs are found from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to Point Conception, California.
Market Forms
- They are an important commercial crab in the Pacific Northwest. Their meat is sweet, and is often prized.
Identifying male and female Dungeness crab. Image courtesy www.oregondungeness.org.
Notes:
In 2009, the Dungeness Crab became Oregon state’s official State Crustacean.