Ornate Blue Crab
Callinectes ornatus
Also known as: Brachyura Crab, Ornate Blue Swimming Crab, Ornate Crab, Shelling Crab, Swimming Crab, True Crab, Western Atlantic Blue Crab, Western Atlantic Swimming Crab
- Brachyura Crab
- Ornate Blue Swimming Crab
- Ornate Crab
- Shelling Crab
- Swimming Crab
- True Crab
- Western Atlantic Blue Crab
- Western Atlantic Swimming Crab
Overview
Found both close to shore and in much deeper waters, over mud, sand, shell and sponge bottoms of coral reefs, also in harbours, where they can be found feeding on trash!
They feed on carrion, detritus, fish, invertebrates and molluscs.
Brachyura crabs are considered true crabs, they have a short abdomen, four walking legs and a pair of clawed arms at the front.
Many thousands of species live worldwide in sea water, fresh water and on land.
How to identify
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Western Atlantic
- Country only · 1
Found both close to shore and in much deeper waters, over mud, sand, shell and sponge bottoms of coral reefs, also in harbours, where they can be found feeding on trash!
Adult photos 1
Discussion
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Deep dive
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