Sheep Crab
Loxorhynchus grandis
Also known as: Spider Crab; California King Crab
Size & Weight
Average Length
6.0"
Max Length
9.6"
Average Weight
2.0 lbs
Max Weight
6.0 lbs
Lifespan
4 years
Habitat
Depth Range
20 - 410 ft
Water Temp
50-65°F
Rocky reefs; kelp forests; pier pilings; sandy bottoms in spring/summer
Behavior
Spawning Season
Late spring-summer
Migration: Seasonal - shallow in spring/summer; deep in winter
Diet: Algae; mussels; sea stars; dead fish; small crabs
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round
Techniques: Hoop nets; pier fishing; diving
Best Bait: Chicken; fish carcass
Eating Quality
Edibility
Good
Delicate; firm; similar to king crab
Fun Facts
Largest California spider crab; oval spiny carapace; juveniles camouflage with algae/barnacles; adults often green with algae film; long legs; males have massive claws; tastes like king crab
How to Identify
Oval spiny shell covered with tubercles; bent snout; long legs; often covered with algae/barnacles (juveniles); greenish adults; males have large claws
Official Resources
Sources: CDFW; CA Sea Grant
Change History (Last updated Feb 02, 2026 at 11:52 AM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 02, 2026 11:52 AM | Added image | — | species-117-478f3ec335d7d238.jpg | Source: Wikipedia |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Depth Max Ft | — | 410 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Depth Min Ft | — | 20 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Lifespan Years | — | 4 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Max Weight | — | 6.0 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Avg Weight | — | 2.0 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Max Length | — | 9.6 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 6.0 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Identification Tips | — | Oval spiny shell covered with tubercles; bent snout; long legs; often covered with algae/barnacles (juveniles); greenish adults; males have large claw... |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Sources | — | CDFW; CA Sea Grant |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Fun Facts | — | Largest California spider crab; oval spiny carapace; juveniles camouflage with algae/barnacles; adults often green with algae film; long legs; males h... |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Conservation Status | — | Stable |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Flavor Profile | — | Delicate; firm; similar to king crab |
| 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 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Fishing Techniques | — | Hoop nets; pier fishing; diving |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Diet | — | Algae; mussels; sea stars; dead fish; small crabs |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Migration Pattern | — | Seasonal - shallow in spring/summer; deep in winter |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Spawning Season | — | Late spring-summer |