[1][3] Metacarcinus edwardsii is found along the Pacific coast between Guayaquil in Ecuador and the Beagle Channel in the southernmost Chile.

Males reach functional maturity at slightly larger sizes.

[4] The largest male crabs measure about 165 mm (6.5 in) in carapace width.

[5] Metacarcinus edwardsii is univoltine, with the mating season from October to January.

[5] In Chile, it is the most important commercially exploited crab, caught exclusively in artisanal fisheries.