Species profile
Atlantic Rock Crab
Cancer irroratus
Identify Atlantic Rock Crab (Cancer irroratus) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules app. Plus current fishing rules across 1 jurisdiction.
At a glance
Atlantic Rock Crab (Cancer irroratus) is a crustacean regulated in 2 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 35 (California); the most generous is 50 (New Hampshire).
Confirmed by 6,522 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Massachusetts, Nova Scotia, and Maine the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- It bears distinctive reddish-purple spots scattered across a yellowish-white carapace.
- Found from Labrador to South Carolina, it ranges from intertidal zones to 500 meters deep.
- The carapace can reach about 5 inches across in large adults.
- It is commonly caught as bycatch in lobster traps along the New England coast.
- It feeds on mussels, barnacles, and worms by crushing them with its robust claws.
Where Atlantic Rock Crab are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Atlantic Rock Crab
Background
Cancer irroratus (common name the Atlantic rock crab or peekytoe crab) is a crab in the genus Cancer. It is found from Iceland to South Carolina at depths up to 2,600 ft (790 m), and reaches 133 mm (5.2 in) across the carapace.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Atlantic Rock Crab article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other crabs/lobsters/shrimp on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Atlantic Rock Crab?
Atlantic Rock Crab (Cancer irroratus) is a crustacean regulated in 2 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Atlantic Rock Crab?
Atlantic Rock Crab is Cancer irroratus.
Is Atlantic Rock Crab regulated for fishing?
Yes — Atlantic Rock Crab has fishing regulations in 1 U.S. state and/or Canadian province tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Atlantic Rock Crab?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules app for iPhone or Android — on-device identification recognizes Atlantic Rock Crab along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.