Common name : Chesapeake blue crab, Atlantic blue crab
Scientific name : Callinectes sapidus
Family : Portunidae
Native to : Western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico
Interesting fact : Its scientific name means beautifulsavoury swimmer.
Conservation status : Vulnerable
This ten-legged crustacean is found in brackish coastallagoons and estuaries. Its shell colour is blue to olive with bright blue claws and red tips on females. Its fifth pair of legs are paddle-like making it a good swimmer. These fish feed on mussels, snails, fish, plants and smaller blue crabs. Mating is from May to October. Their lifespan is less than 3 years.
