Jonah Crab
Cancer borealis
Chunky offshore Cancer crab of Mid-Atlantic bottoms. More likely on a deep charter than an Assateague walk.
Quick facts
| Group | Crab |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Habitats | Offshore / ocean |
| Seasons (this coast) | year-round |
How to recognize them
- Oval, brick-red to purplish shell; black-tipped claws; heavier build than blue crabs.
Biology notes
- Continental shelf bottom species; increasingly landed in regional fisheries.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Offshore fishing trips and fish-house docks; not a bay shallows crab.
When to look
- Year-round offshore; seasonal landings vary.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- Compare with blue crabs at markets—Jonahs lack swimming paddles.
