Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
The Mid-Atlantic coastal region provides critical wetland habitat for a diversity of reptiles and amphibians, such as
this bull frog.
BLUE CRAB
Keystone Crabs and Founding Fishes
Of all the species associated with Chesapeake Bay's legendary productivity, the blue crab is the most iconic
and, ecologically, one of the most important. Its scientific name, Callinectes sapidus, describes its physical ap-
pearance, behavior, and culinary qualities. Callinectes is Greek for “beautiful swimmer,” and sapidus means
“tasty” in Latin. Some may argue whether its common name, blue crab, is descriptive enough, for it is only the
large claw and legs of the male that are truly blue. The blue crabs' tastiness, however, is beyond dispute, and
they are very able swimmers. Blue crabs belong to the Portunidae family, and unlike most other crabs, por-
tunids have a special pair of swimming legs allowing them to move in any direction, and even to hover in
place like an underwater helicopter.
