Habitat

Rock crabs occupy a variety of coastal habitats and are an ecologically important component of the nearshore environment. The Red Rock Crab is found on the Pacific Coast of North America from Alaska to Southern California. They are predominantly caught in Northern California and Oregon especially in shallow bays.

 

 

As the name suggest they are found most common around rocks. Red Rock Crabs can be found in both rocky and soft bottoms often half-buried in the sand under rocks during the day. They are typically more active at night. Red rock crab prefer higher salinities and therefore are usually found in larger estuaries, close to the ocean.

 

Their habitat extends from low intertidal zones of bays and estuaries to depths of about 90 m. They play an important role in their environment they share with several other species. As juveniles, they are important prey of numerous invertebrates and many commercially and recreationally important fishes. Adult rock crabs are a major food of the threatened southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris). They usually share their habitat with other species of crabs such as the invasive green crab that they usually feed on.

 

To learn more about the nutrition of the Red Rock Crab click here.

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