Blue crab
Callinectus sapidus
Rathburn, 1885
Description:
There are many members to this genus. This is the Atlantic blue crab, the largest of them, when adult. The lateral teeth are also larger, which are somewhat narrow and sharply pointed. Between the eyes are two median teeth. The last walking legs have the last segment enlarged to paddles, which are used for swimming.
The color is grayish or bluish green with red on the spines.
Size: carapace up to 18 cm wide.
Habitat:
This species and many of this genus lives on muddy and sandy bottoms in the shallower regions.
Depth: ranges from 2 m down to 16 m.
Distribution:
Common all throughout the Caribbean, but favored the Atlantic side of the region. Other species of the genus favor the Tropical regions.
Remarks:
Can react aggresively to divers by standing on its rear legs and waving its claws.