There are over 4,400 varieties of crab in existence and an endless list of recipes and dishes any seafood enthusiast would delight in. From steamed crab legs, fried crab cakes and fresh crab cocktails, crustaceans are some of the most commonly enjoyed culinary luxuries. Here is a guide to some of the most popular types of crab you'll find at your local seafood market. 

Popular Crab Varieties to Try

1. Snow Crab

The snow crab is one of the most popular varieties of crab to eat because of the ease of access to its sweet and subtly briny meat. Their claws and legs can be easily snapped without any tools, making them a seafood staple for all-you-can-eat buffets. Snow crabs are found along the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans during the cold months of January through April. They live among rocks and deep waters with legs that resemble a spider, which is how they coined the nickname "spider crab." Additional names include "tanner," and "queen crab." 

2. Dungeness Crab

One of the most sought-after types of crab in the Pacific Northwest is the Dungeness crab. Named after the small town where they were first commercially harvested in Washington State, this crab is harvested from the fall to late spring in the coastal waters lining the shores of Alaska all the way to Baja, Mexico.

Brown to purple in color, the Dungeness crab has sweet, succulent and tender meat. Weighing anywhere from 1 3/4 to 4 pounds, one whole crab is enough for two people to enjoy. The flaky pink flesh doesn't need much dressing to make a delicious meal; a side of melted butter or a dipping sauce is all you need. 

3. Alaskan King Crab

The name says it all. The Alaskan king crab is known in every seafood market and restaurant for its size and taste. It can weigh up to 25 pounds and measure up to 10 feet. However, only one-fourth of these crustaceans are edible.

The largest of the crab species, it can be found in Norton Sound, AK, and the Bering Sea and is harvested from October to January. This delicately flavored delicacy ensures all who enjoy it put in a little work with a hard, spiny shell many find difficult to remove. Other names for this bright red crab are "Japanese crab," "Russian crab" or "king crab".

If you're looking for top-quality, fresh seafood, look no further than Billy's Seafood in Bon Secour, AL. This seafood market boasts a wide selection of the ocean's finest, including shrimp, oysters, and crab. Come pick out your fish in person with the help of knowledgeable fisherman and employees who can give you the best tips and tricks for cooking and seasoning your seafood. For seafood lovers who aren't local, all of their fresh catches are available to order online. With everything from royal red shrimp to frozen crab and snapper filets, Billy’s Seafood can overnight any of their products directly to your home. To peruse their full selection, visit the website. For questions, call (251) 949-6288.