Fisheries Infosite

Red crab Auckland (East) (CHC1)
Maori name
Scientific name
Chaceon bicolor

Physical characteristics

Red Crab are purple and tan - yellowy tan. They can grow to a maximum carapace width of 192 mm.

Life cycle

An Australian study found that maturity was reached by Red Crab at carapace widths of 90-94 mm. They carry eggs during winter which hatch during summer.

Habitat

Red Crab are found north of the Chatham Rise. They are burrowing crabs and live in areas of soft sediments.

 
Key statistics
Reported commercial catch1 (tonnes)
Quota value estimate2 (NZ$m)
Exports estimate2 (NZ$m)
1 Reported commercial catch is calculated for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025
2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025