Red Rock Crab
Cancer productus
This record describes Cancer productus (species). Recorded family: Cancridae. Recorded order: Decapoda.
Identification and Appearance
Can be distinguished from the Dungeness Crab by the presence of black tipped claws.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Low intertidal, most common around rocks.
Geographic Range
West coast, Alaska to California.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of the name: Randall. Year first published: 1839.
About Crabs, Crayfishes, Lobsters, Prawns, and Shrimp: the wider group
Order-level background for Decapoda, the group containing Cancer productus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Decapoda includes ~15,000 described species of crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and crayfish. Although primarily marine and freshwater, some species like hermit crabs and coconut crabs are fully terrestrial.
Ecological role of the group
Crayfish are keystone species in freshwater ecosystems, influencing water clarity, sediment dynamics, and plant communities. Hermit crabs play vital roles in nutrient cycling on tropical islands.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The global shrimp industry alone is worth over $45 billion annually. Crayfish are important aquaculture species and invasive crayfish cause ecological damage estimated in the hundreds of millions annually in Europe and North America.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO fisheries statistics, freshwater ecology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Red Rock Crab (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Rock Crab
What is Red Rock Crab?
Red Rock Crab (Cancer productus) is a species in the family Cancridae, within the order Decapoda.
How do you identify Red Rock Crab?
Can be distinguished from the Dungeness Crab by the presence of black tipped claws.
Where is Red Rock Crab found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Low intertidal, most common around rocks. |
| Range | West coast, Alaska to California. |