description Kelp Crab Overview
The kelp crab is a Pacific coast crab commonly identified as Pugettia producta. It occurs from the northeastern Pacific coast of North America into the intertidal and shallow subtidal zone, where it is closely associated with kelp beds and other algae-covered habitats. Its narrow body and long legs are typical of spider crabs, and its diet includes kelp and other marine vegetation.
help Kelp Crab FAQ
What species is the kelp crab on the Pacific coast?
It is commonly identified as Pugettia producta, often called the northern kelp crab, found from the Pacific Northwest down to Baja California. It belongs to the group of small, spider-like decorator and kelp crabs rather than the larger edible crab species.
What do kelp crabs eat?
They feed mainly on kelp and other algae, and are closely tied to kelp beds where they cling to giant kelp with their claws. Their coloration, often brown, red, or greenish, tends to match the algae they live and feed on.
Can you eat kelp crabs?
They are technically edible but small and not a commercially targeted species, so you will rarely find them at fish markets. They are far more often encountered by tidepoolers and divers in the intertidal and shallow subtidal zones of the northeastern Pacific.
Where should I look to find a kelp crab?
Check kelp forests and algae-covered rocky areas along the North American Pacific coast, including tidepools from the Pacific Northwest into California and Baja. Look for them perched on kelp stipes, where their narrow, rough-edged bodies and color help them blend in.
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