Crabs are one of the most diverse and enchanting crustaceans find in oceans , freshwater habitats , and even on farming . With thousands of specie worldwide , these arthropods hail in various shapes , sizes , and colouring , each adapted to its environs . From deep - ocean dwellers to shoreline scavengers , the differenttypes of crabsexhibit unique behaviors , feeding habits , and endurance scheme that make them stand up out in the animal kingdom .
In this article , we will explore 23common types of crabs , play up their forcible characteristic , habitat , and interesting facts . Whether it ’s the massive Alaskan King Crab , the tree - climbing Coconut Crab , or the invasive Chinese Mitten Crab , each metal money has distinctive traits that place them asunder . realize these crabs not only enhances our appreciation for marine biodiversity but also sheds light on their ecological role and conservation needs .
If you ’ve ever wondered how to identify differenttypes of crabs , this scout provide pictures and central identification features to avail you recognise them . Whether you ’re a seafood partizan , a marine sprightliness lover , or just curious about these incredible creatures , this comprehensive list will inclose you to some of the most remarkable crabs found across the world .
Different Types of Crabs
Red King Crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus)
The Red King Crab is one of the most massive and essay - after crab species in the world . male can achieve up to five feet across and weigh as much as 24 pounds , have them a genuine giant among crustaceans . They have long , bristled legs and powerful claws , which they use to defend themselves and capture target . While their cuticle appear thick Red River , it can shift to a more vivacious hue after being cooked .
These pubic louse thrive in glacial waters , in the main in the Bering Sea , the Gulf of Alaska , and along the coasts of Japan and the Kamchatka Peninsula . They prefer depth of 90 to 200 meters , where temperatures rest between 34 - 38 ° F . Despite their large size , red king crabs move in groups , or “ pods , ” as juveniles , put up protection against predator like halibut and octopuses . As they mature , they become more solitary but stay highly peregrine .
extremely prized in the seafood industry , Red King Crabs are known for their succulent , flaky meat . They are harvested through specialised traps and are a key component of Alaskan fisheries . Their rich flavor and impressive size make them a sumptuosity delicacy , often enjoyed in okay dining restaurant as steamed leg or butter - drench crab feasts .
Hermit Crab (Paguroidea)
Unlike true Cancer , hermit crabshave soft , exposed abdomens , which they protect by residing in discarded seashells . These shells serve as roving home base , offering both defense and disguise against predators . As they grow , hermit Phthirius pubis must continually look for for large shells , sometimes engage in carapace - swapping with others of their form to find a better fit .
incur in marine environments worldwide , hermit crabby person dwell coastal amniotic fluid , rough shoreline , and tide pool . Unlike most crabs , they lack a grueling , undifferentiated exoskeleton , rely on their adopted shells for security . Despite their name , these creature are highly social and often forge colony , where they interact and even help each other find suitable new homes .
Hermit crabs are omnivores , feeding on detritus , alga , and small-scale invertebrate . Their scavenging behavior plays a crucial role in keep marine ecosystem by recycling organic stuff . They are also popular as favorite , with land - dwelling species kept in terrarium , though they ask specific humidity and temperature conditions to flourish outside their lifelike habitats .
Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio)
Snow pediculosis pubis are easily recognizable by their long , spindly stage and compendious organic structure , resemble giant nautical spiders . Their color ranges from light brown to orange , but they are named for their habitat — inhuman , icy urine . One remarkable trait of these crabs is their power to renew drop off limb , let them to go predatory onslaught or injuries sustained in territorial fight .
These pubic louse dwell the northerly Pacific and Atlantic Oceans , particularly in the Bering Sea and along Canada ’s frigid coastline . They live at utmost deepness , often reaching 2,000 meters below the open , where they navigate the moody , freezing waters in lookup of solid food . Their dieting consists of Pisces , small crustacean , and constitutive detritus , making them vital scavengers in their ecosystem .
Snow crabs are a commercial-grade seafood favorite , known for their sweet , touchy meat . Their long legs yield generous portions , making them highly look for after in seafood snack counter and restaurants worldwide . Whether steam clean , boiled , or added to soups , snow crab meat is a jimmy factor in many gourmet dishes , solidify its status as one of the most valuable inhuman - weewee crabs .
Ghost Crab (Ocypode quadrata)
The shade crab is a speedy and knotty puppet , subject of dash across sandy beach at an impressive 10 miles per hour . Its pallid , sand - biased body provides excellent camouflage , making it nearly inconspicuous against the shore . Unlike many crabs that thrive in pee , the ghost crab spends most of its time on demesne , only come back to the ocean to wash its branchia .
These Crab are find along the eastern glide of the United States , lead down to Brazil . They are nocturnal , come forth at night to search for food , which includes pocket-sized worm , detritus , and even sea turtle hatchlings . Their ability to dig deep tunnel — up to four foot — avail them escape the coarse daytime heating system and predator like birds and tumid crabs .
One of their most distinctive features is their foresightful , stalked eye , which can rotate 360 degrees . This adaptation tolerate them to find movement in all direction without reposition their bodies , realize them extremely cognizant of their surroundings . Their combination of f number , disguise , and keen eyesight makes them one of the most elusive crabs in coastal ecosystems .
Fiddler Crab (Uca pugnax)
twiddler crabs are easily recognizable due to the uttermost size of it difference between their claw . male person sport one enormous hook — sometimes larger than their entire body — which they use for defence and elaborate courting displays . These crabs beckon their oversized claws in rhythmic motions , resembling someone playing a violin , which is how they earned their name .
They inhabit coastal wetland , table salt marshland , and mangrove forests , where they dig burrow in muddy or sandy soil . These burrows serve as both a retreat from predators and a crucial part of the ecosystem , aerating the soil and improving water drainage . During high tide , fiddler Crab draw back into their burrows , sealing the entranceway with clay to avoid flooding .
Despite their low size , fiddler crabs make for an all important part in their surroundings . They devour decomposing plant material and alga , helping to reuse nutrients back into the ecosystem . Their burrowing activity also do good other specie by enrich the soil and hold a healthy home ground for fen wildlife .
Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus)
Despite its name , the dismal crab is not exclusively blue . Its distinctive chromaticity come from the blue tone of its pincer and carapace , but its physical structure can range from dark-green - Robert Brown to crimson tone , specially after shed . distaff blue crabs are easy to identify by the red highlights on their pincers , which counterpoint with the predominantly dingy colouration of the males . Their sharp , serrated shells and agile swimming leg make them one of the most recognisable Cancer the Crab coinage in coastal waters .
aboriginal to the western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico , blue crabs thrive in briny estuaries and coastal amniotic fluid . They are opportunistic feeder , ingest a variety of marine life , including alga , mollusks , and little Pisces . Interestingly , they also exhibit cannibalistic tendencies , preying on diminished or molting blue crabs when intellectual nourishment is scarce . Their diet and aggressive nature contribute to their rapid growth and resiliency in changing environment .
Blue crabs are a worthful seafood species and are commonly harvested for their easy shells during molting . This stage , when they shed their onetime exoskeleton , puddle them extremely seek after for culinary purposes . Their cherubic , delicate nub is a staple in various coastal lulu , from Phthirius pubis cake to stews , making them a favorite among seafood buff .
Dungeness Crab (Metacarcinus magister)
The Dungeness Cancer , named after the coastal Ithiel Town of Dungeness in Washington State , is prise for its sweet and tender meat . With its broad , ellipse - shaped shell , this Cancer metal money expose a purplish - brown colouration , while its claw are tipped with white . The hard exoskeleton provides protection from vulture , but the Phthirius pubis ’s power to burrow into flaxen and marshy seafloors offers additional camouflage and rubber .
Dungeness crabs inhabit waters along the Pacific Coast , from Alaska to California , consist at astuteness of up to 300 cadence . They prefer sandy or mucky sea floors , where they can inhume themselves to turn tail predators like sea otters , octopuses , and larger fish . These crustaceans are chiefly nocturnal , emerging at night to scavenge and hunting for food . Their dieting consists of small Pisces the Fishes , nautical worms , clams , and even other crustaceans .
With their ample , larder gustatory modality and firm texture , Dungeness Crab are a culinary favorite . They are commonly enjoy in steamed or boiled preparations , often dish out with melted butter or comprise into seafood dishes . Their popularity has made them an all-important part of commercial-grade fishery , contributing importantly to the seafood manufacture in the Pacific Northwest .
Florida Stone Crab (Menippe mercenaria)
Florida pit crabs are best live for their delicious , meaty claws , which make them a extremely prize seafood delicacy . Unlike other crabs that are harvest wholly , Martes pennanti only take one pincer from each stone Phthirius pubis before release them back into the sea . This sustainable recitation allows the crab to rejuvenate their lost claws within a twelvemonth , see to it continued population increase .
These crabs are native to the warm , shallow coastal waters of the southeastern United States , peculiarly Florida . They favour rocky or seagrass - covered home ground , where they can hide from predators like octopus and large Pisces . Their hefty claw are not just for defence ; they also use them to crock up candid carapace of huitre , clams , and other hard - shell prey .
The Florida stone Cancer ’s ability to regenerate lose tree branch makes it one of the most resilient species in the marine world . Their nipper go on to spring up orotund with each ecdysis , allowing old crabs to develop exceptionally inviolable pincers . This unique adaptation , combined with sustainable fishing practices , ensures that Florida stone crabs continue a thriving and renewable seafood imagination .
Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus)
Despite its name , the horseshoe crab is not a true crab but a distant proportional ofspiders and Scorpion . These ancient tool have stay nearly unaltered for over 450 million years , get them one of the oldest come through species on Earth . Their typical horseshoe - shaped carapace pop the question tribute , while their foresightful , pointed prat — called a telson — helps them flip over if they get stuck on their backs .
Horseshoe crabs live the Atlantic coastline of North America , where they transmigrate to shoal urine during spawning time of year . They in the first place feed on worms , mollusks , and decaying organic textile found along the ocean floor . Their patrician pedigree contains cop - based mote , which have remarkable antibacterial belongings . This singular feature has made horseshoe crabs lively to the aesculapian industriousness , as their blood is used to essay vaccine and medical equipment for taint .
Although they have endure mass extinction , horseshoe crabs now front threats from habitat end and overharvesting . preservation efforts aspire to protect these noteworthy beast , not only for their bionomic importance but also for their irreplaceable function in innovative medicine . Their enduring presence on Earth is a testament to their unbelievable adaptability and resiliency .
Coconut Crab (Birgus latro)
The coconut crab concur the claim of the largest ground - living arthropod , growing up to three feet in length and weighing over nine pound . Unlike most Cancer , it spends well-nigh its entire life on country , only returning to the sea as a larva . One of its most remarkable power is tree climb — coconut crabs scale of measurement decoration Tree to reach coconut , which they crack candid using their incredibly inviolable claws .
These crabs are found on dot tropical island across the Amerind and Pacific Oceans . While coconuts are a significant part of their diet , they also consume fruits , seed , and crumble plant thing . timeserving feeders , they have even been cognize to scavenge carrion , play an essential role in alimentary recycling within their ecosystems .
Coconut Cancer are solitary and highly territorial , often combat other crabs for food and shelter . Due to their size and strong suit , they have few natural predators aside from humanity . Unfortunately , habitat loss and hunting for their meat have led to population decline in some surface area . Conservation endeavor aim to protect these enchanting giants and assure their continued survival in the wild .
Mud Crab (Scylla serrata)
clay Cancer are extremely adaptable crustacean known for their power to change shell color to blend into their surroundings . This noteworthy camouflage help oneself them evade predators while hunting for food in estuaries , Rhizophora mangle , and coastal waters . Their dark , mottled scale allow them to rest nearly invisible against the muddy seabed .
These pediculosis pubis are establish across Africa , Asia , Australia , and the Pacific Islands , often venturing into freshwater areas . They are nocturnal hunters , preying on little Pisces , shellfish , and plant material . Their potent claws allow them to crush hard shells , constitute them efficient predatory animal .
Mud crab are also a worthful seafood delicacy , particularly in Asian cuisine . Their sweet , tender gist makes them extremely try after , lead to extensive aquaculture endeavour . Despite their popularity , sustainable fishing practice are necessary to prevent overharvesting and uphold healthy population .
Tasmanian Giant Crab (Pseudocarcinus gigas)
The Tasmanian Giant Crab is one of the orotund crab metal money in the world , growing up to three foot ( one m ) wide and weigh over 30 pounds ( 14 kilogram ) . These bass - sea giants are found off the southerly glide of Australia , typically at deepness of 460 to 590 foot ( 140 to 180 meters ) .
virile Tasmanian giant pediculosis pubis are particularly distinctive due to their massive , crooked claw — one of which is significantly larger than the other . They utilise these oversized pincers to oppose off competition and impress likely mates . distaff Crab , on the other bridge player , have proportionally small but as sized claws .
Despite their formidable sizing , these Cancer move tardily and rely on their hard plate for aegis . They feed on carrion , tardily - move sea creatures , and small Pisces the Fishes . Due to their telling size of it and rich , flavorsome meat , they are a prized apprehension in commercial fisheries , but strict regulations are in station to ensure their long - term survival .
Christmas Island Red Crab (Gecarcoidea natalis)
The Christmas Island Red Crab is famous for its breathtaking annual migration , one of the most extraordinary rude outcome in the universe . Every twelvemonth , millions of these shiny red crabs travel from Christmas Island ’s lush rainforests to the coastline to breed . This migration , contemporise with the lunar cycle and the fuddled time of year , turn road , forests , and beaches into a sea of crimson .
Unlike many pubic louse that drop most of their lives in water , Christmas Island Red Crabs are in the first place land - dweller . They live in burrows in the forest , emerge mainly to feed on fall parting and fruits . However , their connection to the sea remains essential , as their larvae hatch in seawater before return to land as juveniles .
During the migration , the unmingled number of crab cross roads and pathways disrupts day-by-day life on the island . peculiar bridge and tunnels have been built to help them crossbreed safely . Despite their abundance , conservation efforts are in position to protect them from invasive specie like the sensationalistic crazy pismire , which has importantly impacted their population .
Sand Crab (Emerita analoga)
The Sand Crab , also have intercourse as the Mole Crab or Peekytoe Crab , is a little but riveting crustacean that thrives in the tilt sands of coastal beaches . These tiny crabs are experts at burrowing , able to disappear into the sand in just seconds to quash predators and hard wave .
Unlike most crabby person , sand crabs have no claws for defense reaction . Instead , they swear on their power to burrow backward into the sand , exposing only their feathery antennae . As waves wash out over them , they extend their antenna to filter microscopic plankton and constituent corpuscle from the water supply , making them efficient filter feeders .
Sand crabs play a crucial persona in the beach ecosystem , serving as an of import intellectual nourishment generator for shorebirds and fish . Their populations are sensitive to environmental changes , making them utilitarian indicator of coastal ecosystem wellness . Due to their specialised lifestyle , they are seldom restrain in captivity and are best observed in their innate beach home ground .
Green Shore Crab (Carcinus maenas)
The Green Shore Crab , also have it away as the European Green Crab , is a hardy and adaptable mintage found along the glide of Europe , North America , and Australia . Recognized by its greenish - brown shell and five rachis on either side of its eye , this crab can pull round in a wide range of habitat , include jolting shores , estuary , and mudflats .
One of the most invasive crab in the world , the Green Shore Crab competes with native species for food and habitat . Its resiliency allows it to tolerate extreme environmental condition , include varying salinity and temperature degree .
Despite being an ecological terror in many regions , these crabs play a lively role in their native home ground , feeding on mollusks , belittled Pisces , and algae . scientist are exploring way of life to see to it their populations through commercial-grade sportfishing and culinary use .
Queen Crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus)
The Queen Crab , closely related to the Alaskan King Crab , inhabits the frigid water of the North Pacific Ocean , peculiarly around Russia and Alaska . It is know for its impressive size of it , reaching up to 10 inch ( 25 cm ) in shield width and count over 10 pound sign ( 4.5 kg ) .
With a ruby-red - brown shell adorned withwhite spots , the Queen Crab is a prominent sight . It possesses powerful claw capable of jam the tough shells of its prey , including mollusc and crustacean . Despite their fierce appearance , these Cancer the Crab often gather in expectant chemical group during the pairing season , exhibit social doings uncommon in many crab species .
Due to their productive , flavorful center , Queen Crabs are extremely assess in the seafood industry . However , their populations are cautiously managed to forbid overfishing and exert the balance of marine ecosystem .
Yeti Crab (Kiwa hirsuta)
discover only in 2005 , the Yeti Crab is one of the deep ocean ’s most secret inhabitants . Named after the mythical Yeti due to its long , silky , hair - like strands ( setae ) , this unique crustacean lives in some of the most uttermost environments on Earth — hydrothermal release deeply in the Pacific Ocean .
Unlike most crabs that trust on hunting or scavenging , the Yeti Crab cultivates bacteria on its hairy appendage . These bacterium help detoxify the mineral - rich water circumvent hydrothermal vents and serve as a primary food source for the crab . This remarkable adaptation leave it to flourish in environs with extreme oestrus and gamy pressure .
scientist are still uncovering the secrets of the Yeti Crab ’s natural selection . Its eccentric appearance and strange feeding behavior make it one of the most fascinating discoveries in marine biology . Living in the rake - contraband depths of the ocean , far from human stretch , the Yeti Crab remains one of the ocean ’s most oracular creatures .
Japanese Spider Crab (Macrocheira kaempferi)
The Japanese Spider Crab is the largest arthropod in the world , boasting an astonishing ramification span of up to 12 human foot ( 3.7 meters ) . Despite their restrain size , these deep - ocean crab are comparatively gentle scavengers , feeding on dead fish , mollusks , and algae along the sea floor .
Their spiky , orange - and - white carapace provides born camouflage , helping them meld into the sea floor . To enhance their disguise , they often attach sponge , algae , and other marine being to their shell . Their foresighted legs , while telling , are fragile and can get around off easy — fortunately , like many crustaceans , they can regenerate lost tree branch over metre .
Found in the water off the seacoast of Japan , particularly around Sagami Bay , these pediculosis pubis prefer depths of 160 to 2,000 feet ( 50 to 600 meter ) . While they are a delicacy in Japan , preservation efforts aim to protect their population from overfishing .
Alaskan King Crab (Paralithodes platypus)
The Alaskan King Crab is one of the largest commercially glean crab , growing up to 6 feet ( 1.8 metre ) across and press as much as 25 pound ( 11 kilogram ) . These crabs thrive in the cold , rich waters of the North Pacific Ocean , from Alaska to Russia ’s Kamchatka Peninsula .
With their monumental claw and long , spiny legs , Alaskan king crabs are formidable predators , feeding on humble Pisces the Fishes , shellfish , and crustacean . Their shells can range in color from blue to reddish - brownish , with bright white undersides .
extremely prized for their sweet , succulent meat , these crab support a lucrative sportfishing industry . However , hard-and-fast regulations , including catch limitation and fishing season , are in place to prevent overfishing and ensure sustainable populations .
Sally Lightfoot Crab (Grapsus grapsus)
The Sally Lightfoot Crab is a vibrant , agile crustacean native to the rocky shorelines of the Galápagos Islands and the Pacific coasts of Central and South America . Known for their striking cherry , blue , and orangish coloration , these crabs are improbably quick , dart across rocks and even scaling erect surfaces with simplicity .
Often refer to as the “ caretakers of the Galápagos , ” Sally Lightfoot Crabs help maintain the ecosystem by feed on algae , detritus , and even parasites from marine iguanas . Their diet make them essential for keeping the surround clean .
Unlike many edible crab species , these Crab are not commonly consumed by humanity . or else , they serve as sweetener for pekan . Their speed and agility also make them difficult to fascinate , further boil down human impact on their populations .
Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis)
The Chinese Mitten Crab , named for its furred , mitten - same chela , is an invading species known for its ability to prosper in both freshwater and saltwater environments . in the first place from East Asia , these crabs have spread to Europe and North America , where they have disrupted local ecosystem .
Unlike most crabs , mitten Cancer are excellent climber . They use their secure legs to surmount Tree , bulwark , and even man - made structures . Their power to burrow into riverbanks and estuaries contribute to soil corroding and substructure legal injury .
One distaff mitten crab can consist up to a million orchis , allowing them to reproduce apace and outcompete aboriginal mintage . Despite their encroaching nature , they are considered a delicacy in Taiwanese cuisine , where their seraphic , frail meat is highly valued .
