Callinectes sapidus

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Callinectes sapidus

Callinectes sapidus (pronunciation: /kəˈlɪnɛktiːz ˈsæpɪdəs/), commonly known as the Atlantic blue crab or simply 'blue crab', is a species of crab native to the waters of the western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Etymology

The name Callinectes sapidus is derived from the Greek words 'kallos' (meaning 'beautiful'), 'nectes' (meaning 'swimmer'), and the Latin word 'sapidus' (meaning 'savory'). Thus, the scientific name translates to 'beautiful savory swimmer'.

Description

Callinectes sapidus is a decapod crab of the swimming crab family Portunidae. The blue crab is so named because of its sapphire-tinted claws. Its shell, or carapace, is actually a mottled brownish color, and mature females have red highlights on the tips of their pincers.

Habitat and Distribution

Callinectes sapidus is native to the western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, but it has been introduced elsewhere, including the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Diet

The diet of Callinectes sapidus consists mainly of bivalves, small fish, plants, and almost any other food it can find, including carrion, and is thus considered an omnivore.

Related Terms

External links

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