![]() ![]() For this reason, comprehensive management schemes are in place in several parts of the blue crab's range. Blue crabs also play a key role in managing the populations of the animals they prey on, and constant overharvesting has had wide-ranging negative effects on the ecosystems they inhabit. Population Declinesīlue crabs are extremely sensitive to environmental and habitat changes, and many populations, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay in the eastern United States, have experienced severe declines. They are also excellent swimmers, with specially adapted hind appendages shaped like paddles. Habitat: Nearshore, including beaches, marshes, bays, and estuaries. 1990) and constitute prey for birds, fishes, humans, and other blue crabs (Guillory and Elliot 2001 ). Blue crabs are found in brackish coastal lagoons and estuaries from Nova Scotia, through the Gulf of Mexico, and as far south as Uruguay. Blue Crab Range/Geographical Distribution: Along the coast from Massachusetts to Uruguay. Blue crabs are native to the northern coast of the Atlantic. They feed on almost anything they can get hold of, including mussels, snails, fish, plants, and even carrion and smaller blue crabs. Blue crabs are widely distributed in estuarine and marine habitats along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the USA (Rathbun 1896 ), where they are important consumers of infaunal invertebrates (Hines et al. Large males can reach 9 inches in shell width. sapidus tends to migrate to deeper water. During times of the year when temperatures are colder, C. Females remain in higher salinity portions of an estuary system, especially for egg laying. Close relatives of the shrimp and lobster, these bottom-dwelling omnivores have a prickly disposition and are quick to use their sharp front pincers. These crabs inhabit cold climates and are commonly fished for food production. The blue crab's habitat ranges from the low tide line to waters 120 feet (36 m) deep. Their scientific name, Callinectes sapidus, means "savory beautiful swimmer." Habitat and Rangeīlue crabs are found in brackish coastal lagoons and estuaries from Nova Scotia, through the Gulf of Mexico, and as far south as Uruguay. Prized by humans for their sweet, tender meat, these wide-ranging, ten-legged crustaceans are among the most heavily harvested creatures on the planet. Using the money from BP’s oil spill fines to stop coastal wetlands loss and protect habitats for blue crabs will have a positive impact on the entire food web of the Gulf of Mexicoand the Gulf Coast economy as well. Its shell, or carapace, is actually a mottled brownish color, and mature females have red highlights on the tips of their pincers. A decline in blue crabs could have larger economic implications for recreational fishing and tourism on the Gulf Coast. El caparazón de los cangrejos reales puede alcanzar hasta 28 cm y sus patas 1,8 metros. The blue crab is so named because of its sapphire-tinted claws.
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