Red King Crab
Paralithodes camtschaticus
Also known as Alaska king crab, King crab
Culinary Profile
Red king crab meat has a distinctive rich, sweet flavor and delicate texture.
Tender.
King crab is low in saturated fat and is a great source of protein, vitamin B12, phosphorus, zinc, copper, and selenium.
Gastronomic Specifications
Biology & Habitat
Appearance
Red king crabs are the largest of the commercially harvested crabs. They range in color from brownish to bluish red and are covered in sharp spines. They have three pairs of walking legs and one pair of claws. Their claws are different shapes. One is a large, heavy-duty claw that is used for crushing prey, and the other smaller claw is used for more delicate handling of food items.
Biology
Red king crabs can grow to be very large, up to 24 pounds with a leg span of 5 feet. Males grow faster and larger than females. Female red king crabs reproduce once a year and release between 50,000 and 500,000 eggs. Larvae hatch from eggs looking like tiny shrimp. The larvae feed on phytoplankton and zooplankton for 2 to 3 months before metamorphosing into tiny crabs and settling on the ocean bottom.
Where They Live
Range In North American waters, red king crabs are found in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, along the coast of the Gulf of Alaska, and south to British Columbia, Canada. Habitat Juveniles less than 2 years old live in shallow waters in complex habitats, such as shell hash, cobble, algae, and bryozoans (branching, coral-like invertebrates) to avoid being preyed upon by fish and other crabs.
How to Buy & Source
Availability
Year-round, but generally harvested from October to January.
Source
U.S. wild-caught in Alaska.
Commercial Fishery & Harvest
In 2024, commercial landings of all king crab in Alaska totaled 8 million pounds and were valued at $96 million, according to the NOAA Fisheries commercial fishing landings database . Red king crab are mainly harvested in Bristol Bay. Some catch also comes from fisheries in Norton Sound. Gear types, habitat impacts, and bycatch: Mesh-covered pots that are 7 to 8 square feet are used to catch red king crab. Only male crabs can legally be caught and sold. Crab pots can unintentionally catch female crabs (which may not be harvested), males under the comm ercial size, and non-targeted crab species as well as a small number of other species including octopus, Pacific cod, Pacific halibut, other flatfish, sponges, coral, and sea stars.
Nutritional Benchmarking Across 111 Species
Where Red King Crab ranks against the rest of the catalogue on each of USDA FoodData Central's per-100 g nutrient measures.
| Nutrient | Value | Rank | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc | 3.54 mg | 3 / 111 | 97% |
| Vitamin B12 | 9 µg | 12 / 106 | 89% |
| Phosphorus | 229 mg | 28 / 111 | 75% |
| Selenium | 37.4 µg | 29 / 106 | 73% |
| Omega-3 EPA | 170 mg | 37 / 104 | 64% |
| Iron | 0.74 mg | 49 / 111 | 56% |
| Protein | 18.06 g | 63 / 111 | 43% |
| Omega-3 DHA | 150 mg | 63 / 104 | 39% |
Other Alaska Fisheries
Sustainable species managed out of the same regional fishery council as Red King Crab.
Alaska Pollock
Gadus chalcogrammus
Pollock has mild-tasting flesh and is similar to other white fish like cod or haddock.
Alaska Snow Crab
Chionoecetes opilio
Sweet.
Greenland Turbot
Reinhardtius hippoglossoides
Sweet, rich flavor that is similar to halibut.
Yellowfin Sole
Limanda aspera
Mild, sweet flavor.
Similar by Flavour: Other Sweet-Tasting Species
If you enjoy the sweet flavour profile of Red King Crab, these other species in the catalogue will feel familiar on the palate.
Acadian Redfish
Sebastes fasciatus
Mild and slightly sweet. Redfish can be used as a substitute for haddock and similar fish.
Alaska Snow Crab
Chionoecetes opilio
Sweet.
Almaco Jack
Seriola rivoliana
Almaco jack has a clean, sweet, rich, slightly nutty, buttery flavor.
American Lobster
Homarus americanus
Mild and sweet.
American Plaice
Hippoglossoides platessoides
Subtle, sweet flavor.
Arrowtooth Flounder
Atheresthes stomias
Mild, sweet flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who manages the Red King Crab fishery?
NOAA Fisheries , the North Pacific Fishery Management Council , and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game manage the red king crab fishery. Managed under the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs , which defers management of crab fisheries to the State of Alaska with federal oversight.
How much protein is in 100 g of Red King Crab?
A 100 g raw serving of Red King Crab provides 18.06 g of protein — roughly 36% of the FDA 50 g daily value.
Where is Red King Crab found?
Range In North American waters, red king crabs are found in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, along the coast of the Gulf of Alaska, and south to British Columbia, Canada. Habitat Juveniles less than 2 years old live in shallow waters in complex habitats, such as shell hash, cobble, algae, and bryozoans (branching, coral-like invertebrates) to avoid being preyed upon by fish and other crabs.
What is the stock status of Red King Crab?
The Pribilof Islands, Norton Sound, and Bristol Bay stocks are not overfished. The Western Aleutian Islands population level is unknown, but management measures are in place.
Is Red King Crab a good source of omega-3 fatty acids?
Per 100 g raw, Red King Crab supplies 170 mg of EPA and 150 mg of DHA — the two long-chain omega-3s most cited in cardiovascular research.
Sustainability Story
U.S. wild-caught red king crab is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.
Stock Structure
There are four stocks of red king crab: Bristol Bay, Pribilof Islands, Norton Sound, and Western Aleutian Islands. According to the most recent stock assessments: The Bristol Bay stock is not overfished (2025 stock assessment) and not subject to overfishing based on 2024 catch data. Summary stock assessment information can be found on Stock SMART .
Population
The Pribilof Islands, Norton Sound, and Bristol Bay stocks are not overfished. The Western Aleutian Islands population level is unknown, but management measures are in place.
Fishing Rate
The Pribilof Islands stock is closed to fishing. None of the stocks are subject to overfishing.
Habitat Impacts
Habitat impacts from crab pots are minor because fishing occurs in areas of soft sediment, such as silt and mud, which are unlikely to be damaged by fishing gear.
Bycatch
Regulations are in place to minimize bycatch.
Management
NOAA Fisheries , the North Pacific Fishery Management Council , and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game manage the red king crab fishery. Managed under the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs , which defers management of crab fisheries to the State of Alaska with federal oversight.
Data Source: NOAA Fisheries
Nutritional Profile
per 100 g raw edible portion · 20 values
Energy
Macronutrients
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Vitamins
Minerals
Source: USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy). %DV is percent of 2,000-kcal daily value for adults.
calendar_month Harvest Season
Frozen available year-round.