Facebook-f Instagram Youtube Tripadvisor Tiktok
Search
Close this search box.

Pygmy rock crab

Glebocarcinus oregonensis

Pygmy rock crab

Glebocarcinus oregonensis
Other Common Names
Hairy cancer crab, Oregon cancer crab, Oregon rock crab
At the Aquarium
Rocky Coast
Other Common Names
Hairy cancer crab, Oregon cancer crab, Oregon rock crab

At the Aquarium

Rocky Coast

Appearance

Pygmy rock crabs have black-tipped claws, with males having larger claws than females. The rounded carapace is usually dull red with low tubercles, or bumps, and can reach a width of 2 inches. The underside of the shell is usually white. They have very hairy legs.

Habitat

Intertidal to subtidal depths of 1,430 feet, in rocky areas, hiding in small spots such as under rocks or in dead barnacles; can also be found in the lower estuary near rocky areas and pilings.

Diet

Omnivores: feed on small barnacles, snails, bivalves, worms, and green algae.

Life History

A male will often carry around a female who is ready to molt. Mating occurs just after molting. Fertilization occurs internally. Approximately 20,500 bright orange eggs are deposited months after mating on the abdominal pouch, where they are brooded until hatching. The planktonic larvae are just 0.06 inches long in their first larval stage and across successive larval molts, reaching lengths of 0.13 inches by their final larval stage.

IUCN Status

Not Evaluated

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

This crab feeds its predators which include Pacific cod, river otters, and red rock crabs.
Range
Alaska to California
On the Oregon Coast
Look for these crabs hiding among rocks while tidepooling.
Fun Facts
If it is disturbed while not tucked away in a hole, it may fold its legs and roll away.

Pygmy rock crabs have strong claws with 4 small denticles, or teeth, that help them crush hard prey such as snails.

Citations & Other Resources

Back to All Animals

Contact Us

Facebook-f Instagram Twitter Youtube Tiktok Tripadvisor

Subscribe to E-Newsletter

Subscribe Now

About Oregon Coast Aquarium

Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Media Policy

Copyright © 2022 Oregon Coast Aquarium. All rights reserved.

Need to update your cookie permissions?

×
Cookies
We use cookies to improve your experience and see how our guests are navigating the website. If this is alright by you, hit 'Accept All', or 'Settings' to customize and learn more. Read our cookie policy
Settings Accept All
Cookies
Choose what kind of cookies to accept. Your choice will be saved for one year. Read our cookie policy
Save Accept All