Bay Critter Profile: The Blue Crab

The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), an important bottom-dwelling scavenger is in the class Crustacea and a member of the swimming crab family Portunidae. Callinectes, in Greek, means “beautiful swimmer,” and with its hind legs shaped like paddles, the blue crab is a remarkable swimmer indeed. Sapidus, in Latin, means “tasty” or “savory” as the Blue crab is known with its delicious flavor and delicate texture.

The crab’s gender can be determined by the shape of the abdomen or “apron” on its underside. Male crabs, known as “Jimmy,” have an apron that is shaped like an inverted “T”. Adult females, known as “Sook” have a broad and rounded apron, while immature females’ are more triangular. Red tips on the claws also indicate that the crab is female. Bright orange eggs are carried in a mass under the female’s apron until the larvae are released. Blue crabs winter-over by burying themselves in the soft bottom with the typical lifespan extending approximately three years.

Blue crabs, like other bay creatures, are susceptible to summer’s low oxygen conditions caused by excessive nutrient loading from agriculture, sewage treatment plants, septic leaching and residential fertilizers. Of significant concern is the impact that municipal mosquito crustaceans in our bays. Like every other bay critter, they shouldn’t be taken for granted.