Snow crab is not kosher according to Jewish dietary law. A crustacean with no fins or scales, so snow crab is not kosher (Leviticus 11:9-12).

What is the scientific name of Snow crab?

The scientific name of Snow crab is Chionoecetes.

Does Snow crab have fins and scales?

Snow crab does not meet the requirement of having both fins and removable scales. Leviticus 11:9-12 requires fish to have both fins and scales to be considered kosher.

Can I eat Snow crab sushi or sashimi?

No. Since Snow crab is not kosher, it should not be consumed in any preparation, including sushi or sashimi.

Where can I find more information about whether Snow crab is kosher?

KosherFish.co references the Orthodox Union (OU) and Chabad lists of kosher and non-kosher fish. For specific halachic questions, consult your local Orthodox rabbi.

Snow crab

Chionoecetes

Not Kosher

No fins or scales

Fins No

Scales No

Description

Snow crab is sold mostly as cooked, frozen clusters of legs, valued for its sweet, mild, easy-to-pull meat. It's steamed or boiled and served with butter, and is a common all-you-can-eat seafood offering.

Snow crabs live on sandy and muddy seafloors in the cold waters of the North Pacific and North Atlantic. Major fisheries operate in the Bering Sea off Alaska and off eastern Canada.

Also known as

Queen Crab
Opilio Crab

Snow crab in foreign languages

Scientific	Chionoecetes
Chinese	雪蟹屬
Japanese	ズワイガニ属

Warnings & Kosher Issues

A snow crab is a crustacean, so it is not kosher.
All crustaceans are non-kosher under Jewish law.