European edible crab (Cancer pagurus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Cancer pagurus
- Common name
- European edible crab
- Category
- Crustaceans
- Family
- Cancridae
- Genus
- Cancer
- Size
- 15–25 cm
- Depth
- 0–100 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky, sand
- Behaviours
- nocturnal, solitary
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Cancer pagurus reaches 25 cm carapace and 3 kg. Large crab with an oval pie-edge body, red-brown carapace with pink reflections, large powerful claws with characteristic black tips. Nocturnal, hides in crevices and under rocks from Norway to the western Mediterranean, from 0 to 100 m. Significant artisanal fishery in Brittany and UK: pot fishing. Highly prized flesh, especially claws and stuffed crab.
Photo of European edible crab
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the European edible crab?
- European edible crab (Cancer pagurus) reaches 15–25 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the European edible crab?
- European edible crab is found between 0–100 m deep.
- Is the European edible crab dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the European edible crab?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the European edible crab?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Similar species
- Palinurus elephas - European spiny lobster
- Clibanarius erythropus - Red-legged hermit crab
- Homarus gammarus - European lobster
- Pachygrapsus marmoratus - Marbled rock crab
- Mithraculus forceps - Red-ridged clinging crab
- Mithrax spinosissimus - Channel clinging crab
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 107276)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2222085)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia