Common Names
Portunidae crabs are known by a variety of common names, including swimming crabs, blue crabs, and sand crabs. These names are often used to refer to specific species within the family, but the general term swimming crab is used to describe any member of the Portunidae family.
Characteristics
Portunidae crabs have a number of characteristics that distinguish them from other crabs. These include:
- A flattened, broad carapace
- A pair of paddle-like fifth legs that are used for swimming
- A pair of large, prominent eyes
- A pair of sharp, pointed claws
- A pair of antennae that are used for sensing the environment
Environments
Portunidae crabs are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Estuaries
- Coastal waters
- Open ocean
- Coral reefs
- Mangrove swamps
They are often found in areas with soft sediment bottoms, where they can burrow to escape predators or wait for prey.
References
For further information on Portunidae, please refer to the following resources:
