How to Feed a Rock Crab

Rock crabs come in three different varieties, but they all eat the same thing. Located mainly off the shores of California and, internationally, throughout the waters of New Wales and Australia, rock crabs are present in red, brown or yellow varieties. Check with the California Department of Fish and Game for brochures or up-to-date information on rock crab populations and beaches, such as Santa Barbara and Monterey, where varieties are often found.

Things You'll Need

  • California Fishing License
  • Rubber gloves
  • Single-chamber wire mesh traps
  • Rope
  • Snails
  • Hoop net
  • Caliper
  • Limpets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find rock crab habitats. Venture out to the rocky shores of California on beaches where crabbing is allowed. Look for yellow rock crabs in southern California, brown versions in central California and red versions in the northern part of the state. Identify beaches with soft, sandy bottoms if you are looking for yellow rock crabs or reef shorelines for brown and red versions. Contact the California Department of Fish and Game to obtain a fishing license if you intend on removing rock crabs from the water and taking them with you.

    • 2

      Tie a live snail to a thin piece of rope. Lower the rope into waters until the snail hits bottom. Maintain tension on the rope until you feel a crab bite the snail. Slowly pull the line up to the surface. Avoid jerky motions so the crab does not let go. Scoop the crab out of the water with a hoop net. Identify the crab to make sure it is a rock crab. Yellow versions have eight back legs, two large front claws and short antenna. Brown versions have eight, short back legs, two large front claw and long antenna. Red versions have eight long back legs, two large front claws -- set back, near the closest back legs -- and short antenna. Measure each crab with a caliper: yellows, browns and reds measure 148mm to 165mm, 145mm to 155mm and 168mm to 190mm, respectively.

    • 3

      Feed the crabs. Tie snails and limpets to the inside floor of a single-chamber wire mesh trap. Fill traps as full of snails and limpets as you wish. Lower the cage slowly via a thin rope. Allow the cage to sit open and undisturbed for a half hour. Raise and check the cage every 30 minutes to see if you need more food. Purchase snails and limpets at your local bait shop.