Blue Crab

Callinectes sapidus

The Blue Crab, scientifically known as Callinectes sapidus, lives in the salt water of the Gulf of Mexico and is very common to estuaries. This organism is scientifically grouped into the domain group of Eukarya and the kingdom of Animalia. Blue Crab’s are grouped into the phylum of Arthropoda and the class of Malacostraca. This organism is in the order of Decapoda and the family of Portunidae..  The genus of the Blue Crab is Callinectes and the species of sapidus. The organism has bilateral symmetry and is a heterotroph. An interesting fact about the Blue Crab is that their scientific name, Callinectes sapidus, means “savory beautiful swimmer”. Blue Crabs prey upon mussels, snails, and fish. They are preyed upon by eels, Striped Bass, and sharks. A behavioral adaptation for the Blue Crab is that they migrate to deeper water after mating. A structural adaptation for the Blue Crab is that they have gills which help them breathe under water. Another structural adaptation for this organism is that they have claws that help scare away predators and defend themselves. Blue Crabs are a heterotroph for eating plants and animals. Blue Crabs have bright blue claws and are a very large type of crab.  

I got this photo from http://gulffishinfo.org/Species?SpeciesID=102