Adult males usually weigh between three and five pounds while the female is considerably smaller. Traps are often set at depths of over 2000 feet off the East Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico north of the Florida Keys.
Golden crabs are available in moderate supply year round.
If purchased live, it should be cooked the same day. Because this species comes from extremely deep water, it should be kept chilled below 45 degrees F. until cooked. The preferred way to prepare golden crab is steamed and served with melted butter. It can also be used in recipes which call for blue crab, stone crab, shrimp and many lobster recipes. The shell of the golden crab does not turn red during cooking like other crabs.