Alaska receives international praise for its seafood bounty and Snow crab is no exception. Comprised of two species, Bairdi and Opilio, Snow crab captures the hearts of seafood lovers with its sweet flavor and tender meat. But what exactly sets Bairdi and Opilio apart? While both are harvested from Alaska’s Bering Sea, these crab differ in size and availability. Let’s dive into what makes each species unique, and why they’re so highly sought after.

What is Opilio Snow Crab?

Nicknamed “Opies” by fishermen, Opilio is what most people recognize as Snow crab. It is the most widely fished Snow crab species in the world, harvested not only in Alaska but also major crab-producing countries such as Canada, Norway, and Russia. Because of this broad availability, Opilio has historically been the dominant Snow crab species in both retail and foodservice markets.

Opilio is the smaller of the two Snow crabs, weighing an average of 1 ½ to 2 pounds at harvest. Though smaller in size, it delivers a delicate, sweet flavor that consumers know and love. On the outside, Opilio have a little smoother shell and a lighter more orange coloration, especially compared to the true red exterior of Bairdi.

What is Bairdi Snow Crab?

Bairdi, also known as Tanner crab or sometimes “Giant Snow Crab”, is the larger species marketed under Alaska’s Snow crab umbrella. Unlike Opilio, Bairdi is only commercially harvested in Alaska and parts of Eastern Russia, making it less known in the global market.

At harvest, Bairdi typically ranges from 2-4 pounds, offering a higher meat yield per crab. This larger size, paired with its sweet flavor, makes Bairdi especially desirable for buyers looking for impressive size and strong value per unit.

Historically, Bairdi supported a much smaller fishery than Opilio. However, Alaska’s recent stock assessments and quota adjustments have shifted that balance. In fact, the total allowable catch (TAC) for Bairdi has equaled or slightly surpassed Opilio quotas. This reflects a strong stock and shifting supply dynamics within Alaska’s Snow crab fishery.

Opilio vs. Bairdi Habitat Range

Both Bairdi and Opilio thrive in the cold, arctic waters surrounding Alaska, but their habitat ranges slightly differ:

• Bairdi Are typically found throughout the Bering Sea, along the Aleutian Islands, and even as far south as the panhandle (Southeast Alaska).
• Opilio prefer the colder waters of the Bering Sea and are generally found further north, thriving at depths up to 2,000 feet.

While these habitat differences help distinguish the species, their ranges do overlap significantly and it is not uncommon for the two species to crossbreed in areas.

Quota and Sustainability Over Recent Years

Alaska’s commercial Snow crab fisheries are carefully managed to ensure long-term sustainability. TAC amounts for both Bairdi and Opilio are set annually based on rigorous stock assessments.

Over the past couple years, these assessments have reported higher population abundance, signaling a healthy rebound for Snow crab stocks. As a result, TAC levels have increased over the past three seasons, highlighting the effectiveness of Alaska’s science-based fishery management and its commitment to sustainable fishing.

Why Choose Alaska Snow Crab?

Alaska Snow crab is celebrated for its top-tier quality, unmatched fishery management, and exceptional product. All of Alaska’s fisheries operate under strict regulations designed to protect habitats and ensure responsible harvesting practices.

Because of this, Alaska Snow crab is among the most sustainable crab on the market and something buyers can feel confident about purchasing. If you’d like to secure some of this season’s catch for your business, email a Keyport representative or submit a quote request!

Keyport is committed to delivering wild seafood at its greatest. Always wild-caught using responsible fishing practices, Keyport’s seafood products are available through the finest restaurants and retailers nationwide.  Best-known for premium crab, our family-owned company is built upon five generations of innovation, long-standing supplier relationships and an unwavering passion and commitment to quality.