Species Type:
Invertebrates
Common Name(s):
Red rock crab
Size:
The red rock crab's carapace, or body section, can grow up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) wide.
Diet:
Red rock crabs eat barnacles, smaller crabs, sea cucumbers, dead fish and invertebrates.
Range & Habitat:
Red rock crabs are commonly found in rocky intertidal zones along the west coast of North America, particularly in California and British Columbia.
Details:
Red rock crabs have thick shells and strong, black-tipped claws for defense and feeding. The right claw is often larger than the left. The crabs mate after the female has molted (shed her hard outer shell). As part of the process, the male crab defends the female from predators while her new shell hardens.