what does a dungeness crab look like

A Guide to Identifying the Distinctive Dungeness Crab

The Dungeness crab is a popular and delicious type of crab found along the west coast of North America. With its large size unique reddish-brown color and sweet succulent meat, the Dungeness crab has become a staple in seafood restaurants and fish markets. But what exactly does this prized crustacean look like? In this article, we’ll give you a complete visual guide to recognizing the distinctive features of the Dungeness crab.

Physical Characteristics

The most noticeable thing about the Dungeness crab is its size. It’s one of the largest edible crab species, usually measuring between 5-10 inches across the shell. Their carapace (top shell) is an oval shape that’s almost as wide as it is long. The carapace color can range from purplish-brown to a deep orangey-red, with small grayish-white spots scattered throughout. The underside shell and legs tend to be lighter in color.

One way to distinguish the Dungeness is by its 10 legs, which are slightly furry or hairy. The rear legs are flattened into paddle shapes to help the crab swim. The two front claws are unequal in size, with the right being bigger and stronger. The eyes are black and protrude on short stalks.

Other identifiable parts include:

• Mouth region – Contains mandibles and jaws for crushing food

• Abdomen – Curved tail flap that tucks under the body

• Antennae – Help detect food

• Sex differences – Mature males have narrower abdomens while females have wider, rounded abdomens to hold eggs

Molting Process

A key fact about crabs is that they have to regularly molt (shed) their hard outer shell in order to grow. Young Dungeness crabs can molt frequently, while larger adults only molt once a year.

During molting, the shell splits open along the edges and the crab backs out. At this time, their body is soft and vulnerable until the new shell hardens, which takes 1-2 days. The molted shell is an immediate indicator that you’ve found a Dungeness crab since their old shells remain intact.

Habitat and Range

Dungeness crabs live in the coastal waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean, inhabiting sandy or muddy seabeds from Alaska down to California. They prefer bays, estuaries, and inlets where there’s a sandy or gravel bottom.

You can find them at depths ranging from the intertidal zone down to about 300 feet. But most Dungeness crabs live fairly close to shore in shallow, cooler waters since they have a low tolerance for warm temperatures. They burrow into the sediment or hide among rocks and vegetation during the day, then come out at night to feed.

The Dungeness crab’s range extends from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska down to around Santa Barbara, California. But they’re most heavily concentrated in the Pacific Northwest along the coasts of Washington and Oregon. The name itself comes from the Dungeness Spit on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula where some of the first crabs were caught and sampled.

Identifying Gender Differences

One cool trick is being able to tell whether a Dungeness crab is male or female simply by looking at it. Here’s what to look for:

Males

• Narrower abdomen flap
• Larger claws, especially on the right side
• V-shaped abdomen that’s triangular in shape

Females

• Wider, more rounded abdomen
• Smaller claws that are equal in size
• U-shaped abdomen for carrying eggs

These gender differences are most prominent on mature adult crabs. Immature crabs look quite similar regardless of sex. The size of the abdomen flap makes it easy to spot females carrying bright orange egg masses under their apron.

What Do Dungeness Crabs Eat?

Dungeness crabs are opportunistic bottom feeders that eat a varied diet of plants and animals. Their main food sources include:

• Small fish – anchovies, herring, and smelt
• Crustaceans – amphipods, shrimp, mysid shrimp
• Worms – marine worms, clam siphons
• Clams, snails, barnacles
• Algae, eelgrass

They use their strong claws and mouthparts to grab and tear apart prey. Younger crabs generally scavenge on anything they can find, while larger adults become more predatory and target fish and larger shellfish.

Unique Markings on the Shell

The shell or carapace of Dungeness crabs has its own set of characteristic markings that can aid identification:

• Dots/spots – The grayish-white dots scattered across the red-purple shell.
• White tipped claws – The claws have white coloration on the very tips.
• Lines and grooves – Irregular linear markings create texture on the carapace.
• Patchy white areas – Some parts like the mouth region may have large white patches.

These signature markings make it relatively easy to recognize the species. However, the patterning can fade as the crabs age and the shells erode after many molts. Older crabs tend to have less vivid coloration and markings.

How to Tell from Lookalikes

There are other similar-looking crab species that inhabit the Pacific Northwest like red rock crabs and graceful crabs. Here’s how to distinguish Dungeness crabs from potential lookalikes:

• Size – Much larger than red rock and graceful crabs which max out at around 4 inches wide.
• Color – Red rock crabs have a more vivid, bright red shell while graceful crabs are dark brown.
• Claws – Large, unequal claws are unique to the Dungeness crab.
• Range – The northern extent is limited for red rock and graceful crabs compared to Dungeness crabs.

Being aware of these subtle differences makes it easier to recognize when you’re looking at a genuine Dungeness crab. They have a certain iconic look and appeal that seafood fans are looking for.

How to Measure Size

When collecting or purchasing whole cooked Dungeness crabs, it’s useful to know how to properly measure their size. There are two standard ways:

• Carapace width – Measure straight across the widest part of the shell from edge to edge.
• Body weight – Weigh the crab on a kitchen scale after cleaning and removing viscera.

A typical measurement for a large male Dungeness is around 10 inches across and 2 pounds or more in weight. But smaller females and young crabs can measure as little as 3 inches and a few ounces.

Knowing the exact size helps inform how much meat you’ll get and how many people one crab can serve. Fishermen and seafood markets use size limits to ensure crabs are harvested sustainably.

What Does Dungeness Crab Taste Like?

Now that you know how to identify Dungeness crab, you may be wondering – what does it actually taste like? The pleasantly sweet and delicate flavor of Dungeness crab meat is what makes it such a coveted delicacy.

Many fans describe it as having a light seafood flavor with notes of vanilla, butter, and nuts. The texture is moist and tender with a subtle crispness when cooked properly. Leg meat tends to be slightly firmer than body meat.

Dungeness crab can be served simply with drawn butter or incorporated into pastas, sandwiches, bisques, and plenty of other dishes to add luxurious flair. It pairs nicely with creamy or citrusy flavors. Just a sprinkle of lemon can accentuate its sweetness.

A Fine Pacific Northwest Delicacy

Getting familiar with this special local delicacy will let you fully appreciate the joys of Dungeness crab season in the Northwest. So now that you know exactly what to look for, get out and enjoy the flavors of this regional favorite!