Tanner crab (Chionoecetes bairdi)
Tanner crabs (also known as Bairdi crabs) are a species of snow crab, closely related to Chionoecetes opilio (which are more commonly referred to and sold as Snow Crabs). The two species can be difficult to distinguish, with slight differences in size, coloration, and carapace shape.
Tanner crabs are decapods with pincer claws and are considered a short-tailed or "true" crab. Adults can reach 1-4 pounds and live for 10+ generally solitary years, only coming together during mating season. Females incubate fertilized eggs for a full year before they hatch in spring. The larvae swim up to join the zooplankton and then settle in a new location after about two months. Tanner crabs prey on other ocean bottom crustaceans, clams, and worms, and have been frequently observed at methane seep sites such as Southern Hydrate Ridge. Benthic fish and humans are their main predators.
References:
Wikipedia
Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game
