Crab

Taxonomy
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Crustacea
Order: Decapoda
Family: Cancridae

Distribution
Common and widespread in sandy areas along BC coast.

Habitat
Sandy substrate; may occur on mud and gravel; often buried just below surface of sand or in vegetation; planktonic larvae dispersed by currents; juveniles remain in intertidal and shallow subtidal hiding beneath or among plants, rocks and shell debris until 2nd summer; breeding occurs in inshore waters and females may move to deeper water to hatch eggs.

Growth rate
Must molt to grow; females and males sexually mature at 100 and 150 mm, respectively (2-3 yr); males reach legal size (165 mm) at 3-4 yr; females seldom reach legal size.

Source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada