Species

SIZE:

10 cm for females, 14 cm for males.

LIFE EXPECTANCY:

Approximately 7 years.

LIFE CYCLE:

Sexual maturity is reached when males are 7 cm and 6 cm for females.

Reproduction occurs in autumn. Females lay thousands of eggs, which they carry at the level of their abdomen for a period of approximately 10 months (up to 500,000 eggs for a 9 cm female).

The following summer, after 10 months, the eggs hatch and the larvae remain in the water column. In September, they become tiny crabs and move to shallow depths. Crabs grow through moulting, which starts at the larval stage.

On the seabed, between 0 and 575 m depth.

Juvenile crabs stay close to the shore on a rocky substrate. Adults will hide in deeper zones.

PREYS: 

Waved whelks
Deep sea scallops
Green sea urchins
Organic matter

Crabs help to clean the oceans. They eat animal cadavers and dead plants.

MACHINES:

Traps.

REGULATIONS:

Fishing effort:

• Limited number of permits
• Regulated number and size of traps
• Specified fishing season
• Legal minimum size: shells must be at least 10.2 cm (which excludes females)

Atlantic rock crab is a Smarter seafood-listed species.

BENEFITS:

Rich in protein, zinc, copper and vitamin B12, which all enhance red blood cell production.

LET’S COOK:

Its meat is refined and slightly sweet, somewhere between the taste of snow crab and lobster.

It can be enjoyed in crab cakes, in a broth or in cooler recipes such as salads and spring rolls.

Must be consumed the same day.

Frozen, it will keep for one month, after which it loses its flavour.

OUR CULINARY ADVICE:

• If you buy it fresh, make sure it is reactive; i.e. no hanging legs in a lethargic state.
• If bought cooked, make sure it has a bright orange colour and is slightly moist.