Dungeness Crab Species & Fishery: Biology, Habitat & Harvest
Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) is a wild Pacific Coast crab found from California north through the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. This page focuses on biology, habitat, molting and harvest methods. Season timing and sustainability management have their own dedicated guides.
Explore: Dungeness Crab | Season | Sustainability | History
Dungeness Crab Species
Dungeness crab is a marine crustacean native to the northeastern Pacific. The scientific name Metacarcinus magister is widely used today; older sources may list Cancer magister.
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Habitat
Dungeness crab occurs in coastal waters and is commonly associated with sandy or muddy bottoms, bays and estuaries. Habitat use changes with life stage, local conditions and geography, so a single depth range does not describe the species everywhere.
Feeding
Dungeness crab feeds on a range of marine organisms and also scavenges. Its response to food odors is one reason baited pots are effective in commercial and recreational fisheries.
Molting and Growth
Like other crabs, Dungeness must molt to grow. After shedding the old shell, the new shell is initially softer and body condition changes as the crab recovers. Shell condition and meat fill therefore vary through the biological cycle.
Molting should not be converted into a single coast-wide calendar. For regional harvest timing, see the Dungeness Crab Season Guide.
How Dungeness Crab Is Harvested
Commercial Dungeness crab is primarily harvested with baited pots or traps set on the seafloor and retrieved by vessel crews. Recreational crabbers also use legal pots, traps or ring-style gear where permitted.
For recreational technique, see How to Catch Dungeness Crab and Dungeness Crab Traps & Bait.
Wild Harvest and Fishery Structure
Dungeness sold commercially is wild-harvest seafood rather than a major farmed aquaculture species. Commercial and recreational fisheries operate under different rules across California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Canada and tribal management areas.
This species overview does not duplicate those changing regulations. For management measures and environmental issues, use Dungeness Crab Sustainability.
From Crab to Seafood Product
Dungeness reaches consumers as live crab, whole cooked crab, shell-on clusters, picked meat and merus meat. For choosing a format, see the Dungeness Crab Buying Guide.
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