Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio)

Scale illustration of an average Snow Crab compared to other crustacean species

The fact that the Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) lives in the Atlantic and the northern Pacific Ocean does not mean it is dull and less tasty like the weather, but a popular delicacy in different diner tables because of their fresh and salty experience. The Snow Crab fits in the family Oregoniidae possessing a small body and long legs, an orange, red, or light-brown shell, and when cooked, it turns to snowy white with specks of bright orange. The name comes from the habitat which is the cold northern Oceans and its primary defense mechanism is burrowing into soft substrate or disguise.

The Snow Crab has a carapace length between 3.1”-5.4” (8-13.6 cm), carapace width of 3.7”-6.5” (9.4-16.5 cm), body height of 1.5”-2.5” (3.7-6.4 cm), and weight between 1.1-3 lb (.5-1.35 kg). The typical lifespan of the Snow Crab is between 12-20 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Snow Crab

How do invertebrates protect their soft bodies?

Invertebrates can effectively protect their soft bodies through an outer hard casing that is referred to as the exoskeleton. Invertebrates like spiders, crustaceans, and insects have their exoskeletons made through sections of jointed legs. Others like mollusks like snails and clams have a hard shell in which they can hide when danger is present.

What is the difference between an invertebrate and a vertebrate?

The difference between an invertebrate and a vertebrate is that invertebrates have no backbones while vertebrates have a developed internal skeleton with cartilage and bones as well as a developed brain that is protected by a skull. Vertebrates also cannot make their food, while invertebrates make their food.

Why are invertebrates important?

Invertebrates are important because like bees they help with pollination, as well as help clear and clean up the environment. Invertebrates are also important because they are soil aerators and creators as they help grow food crops. They also provide eco-system balance and serve as food for other species within the food chain.

How do invertebrates protect their soft bodies?

What is the difference between an invertebrate and a vertebrate?

Why are invertebrates important?

What do marine animals need to survive?

Factors that marine animals need to survive include bioluminescence which is when animals make their own light and helps them communicate and scare predators. Constant light, pressure, temperature, and food are factors needed to remain stable and help marine animals evolve to survive. Marine animals that live within the deep sea can withstand the cold.

Why do we need to protect marine life?

Humans need to protect marine life because our actions and lifestyles have a direct impact on the ocean. We need to protect marine life and provide a safe and healthy environment that is not impacted by overfishing, climate change, pollution, habitat destruction, invasive species, and other forms of human exploitation.

What is the most common animal in the ocean?

The most common animal in the ocean is the bristlemouth which is a vertebrate, an animal with a backbone. The bristlemouth is a tiny fish that can glow in the dark and has fangs that resemble needles. Bristlemouths are part of the 1 million species of animals that live in the ocean.

What do marine animals need to survive?

Why do we need to protect marine life?

What is the most common animal in the ocean?

What is the largest group of arthropods?

The largest group of arthropods are insects, and they can be distinguished from other arthropods through specific characteristics. These characteristics include them having 3 body regions, 3 pairs of legs, as well as a pair of antennae. Most insects also have the ability to fly, which other arthropods lack.

How do arthropods grow?

The arthropods grow through the process of forming new segments near their tail. The growth of an arthropod is very similar to the growth of annelids. Arthropods like mollusks have a tough exoskeleton, but this exoskeleton does not grow along with the rest of the animal and they have to shed their exoskeleton periodically.

Why are arthropods important?

Arthropods are considered because they carry out a different number of roles and tasks. Arthropods can help with pest control or weed control, they also carry an important ecological role due to their large number of species and diversity. Arthropods also serve as food for other species within the food chain.

What is the largest group of arthropods?

How do arthropods grow?

Why are arthropods important?

Details

Under Development

Height:

1.5”-2.5” | 3.7-6.4 cm

Width:

3.7”-6.5” | 9.4-16.5 cm (Carapace)

Depth:

Length:

3.1”-5.4” | 8-13.6 cm (Carapace)

Weight:

1.1-3 lb | .5-1.35 kg

Area:

Scientific Name:

Chionoecetes opilio

Lifespan:

12-20 years

Drawings include: 
Snow Crab top view, side

Links

Wikipedia - Snow Crab

Wikipedia - Crustacean

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