Atlantic Rock Crab - Cancer irroratus
*Information from FAO Species Identification Guide Western Central Atlantic*
Size
Maximum width: male 135 mm; female 113 mm.
|
Habitat, biology, and fisheries
This is basically a cold-water species centred in the region north of Area 31. It ranges in depth from the low-water mark to 575 m. Small to medium-sized crabs move into shallower depths, especially in winter, whereas larger ones occur in deeper water. Feeds mainly on molluscs, echinoderms, and other invertebrates. Mainly outer continental shelf and beyond, often caught along with lobsters. Caught with bottom trawls and lobster traps. Marketed fresh. Separate statistics for this species are collected only for Area 21 (catches from 1984 to 1998 totaled 10 744 t).
|
Distribution
From Labrador to off Miami, Florida. Southward (Carolinas) only in deep water
|
