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Generalized life cycle of the red rock crab: The reproductive cycle appears to be similar to Cancer magister. Mating occurs in May to August immediately after the female has molted and before the new exoskeleton hardens. Eggs extruded from October to early June but mostly in December and January. Hatching occurs in late March or early April. Larval phase consists of five zoeal stages and one megalopa stage and lasts for about 3-4 months. Juveniles presumably utilize shallow waters, hiding in eelgrass and macroalgae, and move into deeper water as they grow. Adults may grow to a maximum size of 158 mm carapace width.