Record-Breaking Catch Breaks In Japan's Snow Crab Season

Snow crabs fetched a record price of more than $12,000 Monday at the first auction of the year in Tottori, Japan. The crabbing season for the winter delicacy starts around this time each year. The pricey specimen was one of many unloaded by five boats before dawn. The male crab was given the market’s highest rank of Itsukiboshi, or literally “five shining stars.” The rank is based on factors including size, weight and color. The crustacean weighed in at nearly three pounds and its shell measured around six inches. The auction winner said that he hopes his record bid will help to drum up interest in the area. Tourist numbers have fallen since a major earthquake struck central Tottori in late October. The crabbing season for female snow crabs runs through the end of the year. Male snow crabs can be caught until Mar. 20, 2017.