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seafood encyclopedia
Snow Crab
Overview
- Scientific Name: Chionoecetes opilio
- US Market Name(s): Snow Crab
- Canada Market Name(s): Snow Crab
Culinary Profile
Snow Crab has a rich - sweet flavour and firm texture. When cooked - the shell of the Snow Crab turns bright orange.
Description
Similar to other Crab species - Snow Crab have four pairs of legs, a set of claws and they periodically “molt” their shell to grow. Molting is a process whereby the Crab produces a new shell underneath their old one. Snow Crab can be easily distinguished from other species by their perfectly round shell. Most Snow Crab weigh between 0.5 – 3 pounds.
Habitat
Snow Crab are a crustacean species found in coldwater along sandy bottoms - ranging from depths of 3 – 1,500 feet. Snow Crab have a wide distribution and exist in both the western Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Snow Crab is the most important species of Crab harvested in Atlantic Canada.
Fishing Season
Sustainability Status
North American Snow Crab fisheries are well managed - but populations are still recovering from overfishing.
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