Known for its distinctive spiky shell and long, spidery legs, it can have a leg span exceeding 5 feet (1.5 meters) and weigh up to 28 pounds (13 kg), making it one of the largest edible crabs.

The crab, which attains a width of 9 inches across the back, is one of the largest edible crabs along the Pacific Coast, according to the department. The official start time is 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 5.