Brown Rock Crab
Romaleon antennarium
Also known as: Pacific Rock Crab; Rock Crab
Size & Weight
Average Length
4.0"
Max Length
6.0"
Average Weight
0.8 lbs
Max Weight
2.0 lbs
Lifespan
6 years
Habitat
Depth Range
0 - 300 ft
Water Temp
50-60°F
Rocky reefs; kelp forests; pier pilings; sandy-rock interface
Behavior
Spawning Season
Year-round peak in spring
Migration: None
Diet: Clams; mussels; snails; worms; dead fish
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round
Techniques: Crab pots; hoop nets; pier fishing
Best Bait: Chicken; fish carcass; squid
Eating Quality
Edibility
Good
Sweet; delicate; most meat in claws
Fun Facts
35/day limit CA; 4 inch minimum; dark red-brown with distinct red spots on underside; black-tipped claws; long antennae; hairy legs; most common pier-caught crab in central CA
How to Identify
Dark red-brown mottled color; black-tipped claws; distinctive red spots on yellowish underside; long antennae between eyes; hairy legs
Official Resources
Sources: CDFW; NOAA
Change History (Last updated Feb 02, 2026 at 11:45 AM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 02, 2026 11:45 AM | Updated Similar Species | [102, 101] | [101, 102] |
| Feb 02, 2026 11:45 AM | Updated Depth Min Ft | — | — |
| Feb 02, 2026 11:45 AM | Added image | — | species-115-73255088e70d3b48.jpg | Source: WDFW |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Depth Max Ft | — | 300 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Depth Min Ft | — | — |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Lifespan Years | — | 6 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Max Weight | — | 2.0 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Avg Weight | — | 0.8 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Max Length | — | 6.0 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 4.0 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Identification Tips | — | Dark red-brown mottled color; black-tipped claws; distinctive red spots on yellowish underside; long antennae between eyes; hairy legs |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Sources | — | CDFW; NOAA |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Fun Facts | — | 35/day limit CA; 4 inch minimum; dark red-brown with distinct red spots on underside; black-tipped claws; long antennae; hairy legs; most common pier-... |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Conservation Status | — | Stable |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Flavor Profile | — | Sweet; delicate; most meat in claws |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Edibility Rating | — | Good |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated PNW Season | — | Year-round |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Best Bait | — | Chicken; fish carcass; squid |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Fishing Techniques | — | Crab pots; hoop nets; pier fishing |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Diet | — | Clams; mussels; snails; worms; dead fish |