The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), named for its brilliant blue claws and olive-colored shell, is a iconic crustacean native to the western Atlantic Ocean. The species name "sapidus" means "savory" in Latin, reflecting its culinary value.
Blue crabs have been an important food source for coastal communities for centuries. Native Americans used them extensively, and European settlers quickly adopted crab fishing techniques. The Chesapeake Bay area became particularly famous for its blue crab industry.
Today, blue crabs support major fisheries along the U.S. Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico, with Maryland and Virginia being particularly renowned for their crab culture. The annual blue crab harvest exceeds 100 million pounds in good years.
