Their olive colored carapace (topside) allows them to go unnoticed while they lurk along the dark colored seafloor. In addition to their strong claws and great speed, they are well camouflaged for both hunting prey as well as eluding predators in the murky backwaters of the bay.
![pregnant blue crab pregnant blue crab](http://www.shrimptank.ca/wp-content/gallery/blue-pearl-shrimps/shrimp-tank-blue-pearl-shrimp-7.jpg)
![pregnant blue crab pregnant blue crab](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/w0VN6vOdT9I/hqdefault.jpg)
A male blue crab or a ‘Jimmy.’ (Credit: Fish Guy Photos, Chris Paparo) Their paddle-like rear legs enable them to chase down fast moving prey, such as fish, with ease. They are armed with sharp, powerful claws that are not only used to tear flesh, but can crush through the shells of armored prey such as clams, mussels, oysters, snails, and even other blue crabs. Although that is true for many species, the blue crab is far better equipped than the average crab. In recent years, I have even been finding them in greater numbers in the harbors along the Sound as well.Ĭrabs are often thought of as scavengers, feeding only on dead organisms they come across on the sea floor.
![pregnant blue crab pregnant blue crab](https://rlv.zcache.com/crab_recipes_postcard-r651fa1e2c3524cc9873def1915e31713_vgbaq_8byvr_630.jpg)
Here on the North Fork, they are common in many of the small back bays, creeks, and harbors throughout the Peconic. Having an extensive range, the blue crab can be found living in shallow coastal bays of the Western Atlantic Ocean from Cape Cod to Uruguay. With bright blue claws, sweet white meat, and powerful swimming legs, the blue crab is completely deserving of its scientific name Callinectes sapidus, which translates to “beautiful savory swimmer.” Enthusiastically pursued by both young and old anglers alike, the blue crab is a favorite dish at the local summertime clambake.