Coastal BC Animals: Galatheid Crab

Galatheid Crab

We just got back from a cruise in our Bayliner. We started out by visiting Dave and Marg, friends of ours from Powell River. They are helping build a new resort lodge on the Homfray Channel just past Foster Point. While we were there, Dave and Marg took Wayne and I fishing and gave us a Downrigging 101 lesson. We trolled with two lines, one deep (90 feet) and one shallow (50 feet). We caught two lingcod on the deep line, the second of which was a keeper.

On the way back to the resort, we stopped to pull up prawn traps. We were pleased to find 87 large prawns waiting for us in the two sets. Marg says it isn't as good a catch as they get in the cooler weather, but it was plenty for a yummy dinner of prawn and pork kabobs. Oh, and I forgot to mention, Dave's delicious bacon wrapped prawns and eggs for breakfast. Now this is living!

When we pulled the prawn traps, Dave handed me a small crab that was in the trap. It was tiny and delicate. I looked it up on the Internet and think it is called a Galatheid Crab or Squat Lobster. The picture and description seem about right. They grow to about 5 inches, are orange in color and live in deep water (the traps were at 400 feet). I thought it was an amazing looking creature.

Wayne and I are heading up the lake for about a week. When I get back I'll tell you more about our cruise and cabin adventures. Hope your summer weather is as nice as ours. Enjoy! -- Margy