Crustacean – Dungeness Crab

State Crustacean
Dungeness Crab
Metacarcinus magister
Dungeness crabs are the most common crabs found along California’s iconic coastline. They generally measure around seven inches across and protect themselves from the elements and predators using their hard exoskeletons (shells) and large front pincers.
Dungeness crabs prefer sandy or muddy ocean floor habitats where they can scavenge for bivalves, shrimp, isopods, fish, and other organisms to eat. They are an essential part of the underwater ecosystem.
Additionally, Dungeness crab fishing (both commercial and recreational) draws visitors from around the world to California’s coastal communities. Dungeness crabs are sold domestically and internationally, supporting the California economy.
Explore our State Symbols
- Amphibian – Red-Legged Frog
- Animal – California Grizzly Bear
- Bat – Pallid Bat
- Bird – California Valley Quail
- Colors – Blue and Gold
- Crustacean – Dungeness Crab
- Dance – West Coast Swing
- Dinosaur – Augustynolophus Morrisi
- Fabric – Denim
- Fife and Drum Band – California Consolidated Drum Band
- Flag
- Flower – California Golden Poppy
- Folk Dance – Square Dance
- FOSSIL – Saber-Toothed Tiger
- Freshwater Fish – California Golden Trout
- Gemstone – Benitoite
- GOLD RUSH GHOST TOWN – Bodie
- Grass – Purple Needlegrass
- Historical Society
- Insect – California Dogface Butterfly
- LGBTQ Veterans Memorial
- Lichen – Lace Lichen
- Marine Fish – Garibaldi
- Marine Mammal – California Gray Whale
- Marine Reptile – Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle
- Military Museum
- Mineral – Gold
- Motto – Eureka
- Mushroom – California Golden Chanterelle
- Nickname – Golden State
- Nuts: Almond, Walnut, Pistachio, Pecan
- PET – Shelter Pet
- Prehistoric Artifact
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- Reptile – Desert Tortoise
- ROCK – Serpentine
- Seal
- Seashell – Black Abalone
- Shrub – Bigberry Manzanita
- SILVER RUSH GHOST TOWN – Calico
- SLUG – Banana Slug
- Snake – Giant Garter Snake
- Soil – San Joaquin
- Song – “I Love You, California”
- Sport – Surfing
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- Tree – Coast Redwood and Giant Sequoia
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
