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According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), males are often found in the upper reaches of the bay while females are typically found downstream, where salinities are higher. Male and female blue crabs can also be found in different parts of the water. The male’s apron resembles an inverted “T” shape, while a female’s changes and rounds as it matures. You can also tell by the apron, or underbelly, of the crab. Females have red tips on their front claws while males do not. Male and female crabs, also known as a jimmies and sooks, respectively, can be distinguished two ways. Blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, get their name from the bright blue color on their front claws, while the upper shell is usually an olive or blue-green color. They can be found as far north as Nova Scotia and as far south as Argentina. While Maryland lays claim to the blue crab, these crustaceans are international. Whether you enjoy them topped with Old Bay or served as a fried soft shell, you’ll definitely want to get your fix of this succulent delicacy after learning more about the Maryland blue crab.īlue crabs are one of the Chesapeake Bay area’s most recognizable figures. Summers in Maryland, especially on the coast, aren’t complete without cracking a bushel of our famous blue crabs. Maryland Blue Crabs All About this Quintessential Coastal CrustaceanĮvery summer, visitors flock to Ocean City for sun, sand and delicious eats.
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Feedingīlue crabs will feed on nearly anything they can find, including clams, oysters, mussels, smaller crustaceans, freshly dead fish, and plant and animal detritus. Mature females have a broad, rounded apron, and immature females have a triangular apron. Males have a strongly tapered abdomen, or "apron," that resembles an inverted T.
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Its claws are bright blue, and those of mature females feature red tips.īlue crabs have three pairs of walking legs and paddle-shaped rear swimming legs. The carapace has nine marginal teeth on each side the ninth teeth are strong spines. The blue crab's carapace (shell) varies in color from bluish to olive green, and can reach up to 9 inches across.