THIS year's first trial catch of Suzhou Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs took place yesterday morning. Fishery officials said the famous delicacy would be on the markets next week.

The crabs caught yesterday weighed 182.5 grams on average, 22.5 grams heavier than those of last year. The male crabs are an average of 209 grams and female crabs 156 grams, a rise of 22 grams and 11 grams respectively.

The biggest weighed 275 grams and was expected to sell for 500 yuan (US$65). Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs are said to be the tastiest, and will cost 260 yuan per kilo this year.

Other brands of hairy crabs are moving into the market. Industry insiders expect a good harvest this year but predict an increased price.

Hairy crabs available since last week include those raised in Gaochun Lake and Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province, and other lakes in Anhui Province.

According to Jiangsu Province Fishery Association, Taihu Lake hairy crabs weigh 200 grams for males on average and female crabs 150 grams and will produce 9,000 tons.

The crabs are popular delicacies during the Mid-Autumn Festival on September 25.

(Source: www.shanghai.gov.cn )