Chionoecetes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chionoecetes |
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| Chionoecetes bairdi | |
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| Chionoecetes opilio | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Crustacea |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Decapoda |
| Infraorder: | Brachyura |
| Family: | Oregoniidae |
| Genus: | Chionoecetes Krøyer, 1838 |
| Species | |
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Chionoecetes is a group of crabs, often called snow crabs. These crabs live in the cold waters of the northern Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean.
People in different places call these crabs by various names. In Canada, they are sometimes called "queen crab." They are also known as "spider crabs" because of their long, thin legs. The name Chionoecetes comes from Greek words meaning "snow inhabitant," which makes sense since they live in cold, snowy ocean areas. The name "snow crab" is often used for any crab in this group.
Where Do Snow Crabs Live?
Snow crabs are found in very cold waters, even as far north as the Arctic Ocean. In the Atlantic Ocean, you can find them from Newfoundland to Greenland and north of Norway.
Across the Pacific Ocean, they live in places like the Sea of Japan, the Bering Sea, the Gulf of Alaska, and Norton Sound. One type, Chionoecetes bairdi, can even be found as far south as California.
In 2019, the Norwegian Supreme Court made an important decision about snow crabs. They ruled that these crabs are considered "sedentary species." This means they live on the seabed and don't move around much. This ruling helps decide which country has the right to catch them, based on international laws like the United Nations Law of the Sea.
Different Kinds of Snow Crabs
There are currently seven known types of Chionoecetes crabs. Each one has its own scientific name and sometimes a common name too:
- Chionoecetes angulatus Rathbun, 1893 – This one is called the triangle tanner crab.
- Chionoecetes bairdi Rathbun, 1893 – Known as the tanner crab, bairdi, or inshore tanner crab.
- Chionoecetes elongatus Rathbun, 1925
- Chionoecetes japonicus Rathbun, 1932 – This crab is also called the beni-zuwai crab.
- Chionoecetes opilio (Fabricius, 1788) – This is the main species known as the snow crab or opilio.
- Chionoecetes pacificus Sakai, 1978
- Chionoecetes tanneri Rathbun, 1893 – Also known as the grooved tanner crab.
Snow Crabs on Your Plate
Crabs are a popular food all over the world. Snow crab legs are usually served in clusters. They can be prepared in many ways, like steaming, boiling, or grilling them. Snow crab meat can also be used in other dishes, such as snow crab macaroni and cheese.
See also
In Spanish: Chionoecetes para niños
