Types of Crabs

Maryland is famous for the Maryland Blue Crab, but did you know that there are several different types of crabs that all have their own unique habitats and seasons? Here’s a little bit of information on different types of crabs throughout the world.

Alaskan King Crab

Also known as “stone crab”, the Alaskan King Crab is the biggest crustacean in the world! This fact, combined with their natural preference of living in extremely cold waters, makes it very difficult to catch. However, fishermen who catch Alaskan King Crabs in the Pacific Ocean between October and January can reap the benefits of these large crabs that have weighty and meaty legs and claws!

Maryland Blue Crab

The Maryland Blue Crab is a popular type of crab found in the Chesapeake. What sets the Maryland Blue Crab apart from other crabs is that it can be eaten in soft-shell form. Right after the crab molts its hard shell, it is left with a soft outer shell. The crab is then battered and fried for a unique delicacy!

Dungeness Crab

Dungeness Crabs are large and abundant crabs that inhabit Pacific waters from Alaska all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico. The Dungeness Crab is known for being one of the most iconic foods of the Pacific Northwest. Plus, it ranked 20th in the list of top 25 food trends of 2013 in Bon Appétit magazine!

Red Rock Crab

Red Rock Crabs are found in the Puget Sound area of the Pacific Northwest and are identified by their deep red shells and black claws. The size of the Red Rock Crab is between that of the Dungeness and the Maryland Blue. While not as popular as other crabs, red rock crabs have delicious meat in the claws and thighs.

Stone Crab

The Stone Crab is a very unique type of crab. Similar in appearance to the Red Rock Crab but much smaller, the Stone Crab is marketed only for its claw meat, which tastes similar to lobster. Fishermen will actually throw stone crabs back in the water after harvesting their claws. The stone crabs’ claws naturally grow back after being returned to the water.

Come Visit Costas Inn!

Costas Inn has been a family owned and operated restaurant for over 40 years. We were recently voted the 2015 #1 Baltimore Seafood Restaurant by USA Today. You may have spotted Costas Inn during one of our 9 appearances on the Today Show or heard one of our many interviews on WJZ TV Channel 13 with Ron Matz and Marty Bass. We were also voted #1 Crab Restaurant 2014 in the Baltimore Business Journal! You can enjoy our famous crab cakes in-house or order them online for anytime eating. We also provide some of the best seafood catering in the Baltimore area! You can also get your fill from Costas even when you’re not in our dining room: follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube!