Blue Crab

Callinectes sapidus

Explore the Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) species record in The Ark Is Earth, including classification, habitat, distribution, conservation information, and sources.

Summary

The Blue Crab is a swimming crab native to coastal estuaries and nearshore waters of the western Atlantic, and it has been introduced elsewhere. Paddle-shaped rear legs make it an agile swimmer, and it eats a broad mix of plants, animals, and carrion. It is a valuable fishery species and an important predator and scavenger in estuarine food webs.

Classification in this archive

Animals › Arthropods › Crabs, lobsters and relatives › Decapoda › Portunidae › Callinectes

Habitat and distribution

Regions in this record: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America

Demonstration note

[DEMO] Blue crabs have paddle-shaped rear legs that make them powerful swimmers.