Chionoecetes opilio

General Information

Also called spider crab, the snow crab, after having been underappreciated for many years, is now the subject of increased commercial interest. It is found from western Greenland to Maine and is fished along the coasts in small boats. 

Characteristics

Its shell measures 15 cm (6") maximum and weighs 1.25 kg (2 3/4 lb.) on average.

It leaves in deep waters (45-275 m).

Fishing

This large deep-water crustacean is found in semi-deep fishing areas. Fishermen head out more than 40 km west-southwest from the Magdalen Islands in 20 m boats to lay their traps. 

Snow crab is fished in April or May as soon as the ice has left the gulf, but it is found until October.

Cooking

• fresh meat (crabmeat, legs and claws), frozen and canned
• the meat is low in fat and pairs well with cream or mayonnaise.

The Worldwide Gourmet

Very versatile, snowcrab can be used in soups, quiche, salad, crêpes, hors d'oeuvres, etc.