Chionoecetes, the proper name of the Opilio Crab is a genus of crab that lives in the colder waters of the northern Pacific and Atlantic Oceans .
The Opilio Crab is very spider like in appearance and has four pairs of legs that are quite spindly looking.
The Opilio is one of the four species of what are called “Snow” crabs.
The Opilio crab has a body that looks very small in comparison to the long thin legs.
Opilio Crabs are covered wtih an oval shaped back, or carapace, which is a deep reddish orange. The legs are usually orange on top and a creamy tan or white on the bottom. Opilio crabs will weigh about two pounds.
The home of the Opilio is Alaska, Russia, Quebec, new Brunswick, Newfoundland.. Bering sea waters primarily.
Opilio crab are a food item and are fished for from January. Typically the Opilio season lasts just one month.
The generic name Chionoecetes means snow :chio inhabitant:ioketes
Fishing for Opilio Crab has been the focus of several documentaries, as well as part of each season on Discovery Channels hit series, “Deadliest Catch”.
crab-rating macaque
Is the opie crab and dangenous crab the same any help?
I enjoy watching “Deadliest Catch” on The Discovery Channel”. Consequently, we cannot afford cable TV at our house, so I seldom get to watch it. I give “hats off” to Sig Hansen for his exceptional talent as the captain of “Northwestern”. It takes a brave man to go out there in formideable waters to make a living. Incidentally, crabmeat is always welcome on my table, if and when I can afford it.
Best regards, Alan
I totally agree on the cable thing, however, I get to watch Deadliest Catch on one of my local channels. I also think that Cpt. Sig Hansen is talented, I also know he ROCKS!! I pig out on crab once every two weeks. I spend around $100 or more on crab at resteraunts, and I also pack my freezer full with it too. My wife hates cooking it though…OH WELL!!!!!
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