In the annual 'beauty contest' for hairy crabs, two winners yesterday pinched $200,000 for charity. The green, hairy creatures - weighing 470 grams and 320 grams - were crowned Crab King and Crab Queen in an auction with fellow crabs - all 'nominated' by seven crab sellers from Jiangsu province . The contestants were graded according to size and weight. The two winning crabs were sold to Ng Fung Hong - one of Hong Kong's bigger food suppliers and distributors - for $200,000. Ng Fung Hong said last night it had not decided what it would do with the $200,000 crabs, but one suggestion being considered was having a taxidermist stuff the crabs and putting them on public display. 'There were bids and counter-bids - more than 10 rounds - hence the high price,' a company employee said. Money raised in the heated auction at the China Resources Building in Wan Chai was given to the Hong Kong Federation of Women. Hairy crab is a much sought-after delicacy that is tastiest in autumn. The best crabs are fully grown, wild ones from the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. According to Chinese tradition, the time of year is very important when deciding which crabs to eat. Females are said to be better in September because their fat is still soft, while male crabs are better in October.
