Are Opilio And Snow Crab The Same
If you love seafood, you might be familiar with the terms Opilio and Snow Crab, but have you ever wondered if they are the same crab? While they may look similar, they are two different species of crab with some distinct differences. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, habitats, and fishing methods of Opilio and Snow Crab to help you understand their key differences.
Opilio Crab
The Opilio Crab (Chionoecetes Opilio) is a species of crab that is found in the cold waters of the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans. It is commonly known as the Snow Crab or Queen Crab and is celebrated for its sweet, delicate meat. The shell of an adult Opilio Crab can reach up to 6 inches wide and weigh up to 2.2 pounds. The color of the shell ranges from reddish-brown to yellowish-brown, and it has long, spindly legs that are covered in sharp spines.
Opilio Crabs live at depths of up to 2000 feet on muddy or sandy ocean floors. They are primarily found in Alaska, Russia, and the Atlantic provinces of Canada. They prefer temperatures that range from 32 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit and typically move to deeper waters during the summer months to avoid warmer temperatures.
Snow Crab
The Snow Crab (Chionoecetes Opilio) is a species of crab that is found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. It is also known as the Queen Crab, Northern Crab, and Spider Crab. The Snow Crab has a similar appearance to Opilio Crab, with long, spindly legs covered in spines. However, it has a slightly thicker and more circular shell, which can grow up to 6.7 inches wide and weigh up to 4 pounds. The Snow Crab is celebrated for its succulent, sweet meat that has a slightly firmer texture than that of the Opilio Crab.
Snow Crabs can be found at depths of up to 2000 feet on rocky ocean floors. They are primarily found in the Bering Sea and along the coast of Alaska but can also be found in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the waters surrounding Norway and the United Kingdom. Snow Crabs prefer colder temperatures than Opilio Crabs and can survive in temperatures as low as 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
Differences Between Opilio And Snow Crab
While Opilio and Snow Crab share many similarities in their appearance and habitat, there are some key differences between them. These include:
- Size: Snow Crabs are generally larger than Opilio Crabs, with a maximum shell width of 6.7 inches compared to 6 inches for Opilio Crabs.
- Color: Opilio Crabs have a reddish-brown to yellowish-brown colored shell, while Snow Crabs have a reddish-brown to purple colored shell.
- Texture: The meat of Snow Crab is slightly firmer than that of Opilio Crab.
- Taste: The meat of Opilio Crab is sweeter and more delicate than that of Snow Crab.
- Preferred Habitat: While both crabs can be found at depths of up to 2000 feet, Opilio Crab prefer muddy and sandy ocean floors, while Snow Crab prefer rocky ocean floors.
- Temperature Preferences: Opilio Crab prefer temperatures ranging from 32 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while Snow Crab can survive in temperatures as low as 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fishing Methods
Both Opilio and Snow Crab are harvested using similar fishing methods. The most common method is called "pot fishing," where baited pots or cages are dropped to the ocean floor and left for a period of time. The pots are then retrieved, and the crab are sorted and processed. Another method used to catch Snow Crab is called "trap fishing," where baited traps are used instead of pots.
Both crabs are typically harvested during the winter months when the crabs are most abundant and their shells are the hardest. The fishing season typically runs from October to January for Opilio Crab and from January to March for Snow Crab. Both crabs are harvested primarily in Alaska, where the fishing industry is a significant contributor to the state's economy.
Conclusion
Although Opilio and Snow Crab share many similarities, they are two distinct species of crab with some key differences. Whether you prefer the sweet, delicate meat of the Opilio Crab, or the succulent, firm meat of the Snow Crab, both are delicious options for seafood lovers. If you ever have the opportunity to try either of these crabs, take advantage of it, and savor the unique flavors and textures that each one has to offer.
