Yellow Shore Crab
Hemigrapsus oregonensis
Also known as: Hairy Shore Crab; Oregon Shore Crab; Mud Shore Crab
Size & Weight
Average Length
1.0"
Max Length
2.0"
Average Weight
0.0 lbs
Max Weight
0.0 lbs
Lifespan
3 years
Habitat
Depth Range
0 - 5 ft
Water Temp
45-60°F
Intertidal mudflats; estuaries; under rocks; prefers muddy substrate
Behavior
Spawning Season
Spring-Summer
Migration: None
Diet: Algae; detritus; diatoms; small invertebrates
Fishing Tips
Eating Quality
Edibility
Not edible
Too small for consumption
Fun Facts
Prefers muddier habitats than purple shore crab; hairy legs (setae); gray/green/yellow color; very common on PNW beaches
How to Identify
Gray/green/yellow color; hairy legs with setae; no spots on claws; prefers muddy substrate over rocky; square-ish carapace
Official Resources
Sources: WDFW
Change History (Last updated Feb 02, 2026 at 11:58 AM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 02, 2026 11:58 AM | Added image | — | species-114-df2660fe3c43edc8.jpg | Source: Vic High Marine |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Depth Max Ft | — | 5 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Depth Min Ft | — | — |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Lifespan Years | — | 3 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Max Weight | — | 0.04 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Avg Weight | — | 0.02 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Max Length | — | 2.0 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 1.0 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Identification Tips | — | Gray/green/yellow color; hairy legs with setae; no spots on claws; prefers muddy substrate over rocky; square-ish carapace |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Sources | — | WDFW |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Fun Facts | — | Prefers muddier habitats than purple shore crab; hairy legs (setae); gray/green/yellow color; very common on PNW beaches |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Conservation Status | — | Stable |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Flavor Profile | — | Too small for consumption |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Edibility Rating | — | Not edible |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated PNW Season | — | Year-round |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Best Bait | — | N/A - not targeted |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Fishing Techniques | — | Hand collection |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Diet | — | Algae; detritus; diatoms; small invertebrates |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Migration Pattern | — | None |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:59 AM | Updated Spawning Season | — | Spring-Summer |