As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, there are over 6,800 recognized species of crabs in the world. Keep in mind that this number may change due to ongoing scientific research and discoveries. Crabs belong to the order Decapoda, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, adapting to a wide range of environments from deep sea to freshwater habitats.
Here are the names of 10 famous species of crabs:
Blue Crab (Callinactis sapidus):
The blue crab is native to the western Atlantic Ocean and is known for its delicious meat. It is an important commercial and culinary species.
Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister):
Found along the west coast of North America, the Dungeness crab is prized for its sweet and tender meat.
Horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus):
Despite the identification of crabs, they are not true crabs. They are ancient arthropods known for their unique blue blood, which is used in medical testing.
The coconut crab is the largest terrestrial arthropod and is found in the Indian and Pacific oceans. It is known for its ability to crack open coconuts.
Fiddler crabs are small, colorful crabs known for their large claws. They are more common in intertidal.
Japanese Spider Crab (Macrochera kaempferi):
Inhabiting the waters around Japan, this crab species has the longest legs of any arthropod and can reach impressive sizes.
Red King Crab (Paralithodes chemotheticus):
Native to the Bering Sea, this crab is known for its large size and tasty meat.
Hermit Crabs (Super Family Peguroidea):
Hermit crabs are unique because they use an empty shell for protection. They are found in all oceans.
Snow crabs have the ability to withstand extremely cold temperatures. And the antifreeze protein in his blood prevents ice crystals from forming.
Pea Crabs (Family Pinotheridae):
These tiny crabs are often found living inside bivalve molluscs such as clams and mussels.
Research on crabs covers various fields including marine biology, ecology, taxonomy and conservation. Scientists study crab species to understand their behavior, reproduction, migration patterns, and ecological roles in different ecosystems. Some of the specialized research areas include:
Moult and growth pattern:
To better understand their life cycle, researchers examine how crabs grow and their exoskeleton, a process called molting.
Behavior and Ecology:
The study focuses on the crabs' feeding habits, mating rituals and interactions with other species in their habitat.
Protection:
Some crab species face threats from habitat destruction and overfishing, so conservation efforts aim to protect their populations and habitats.
Classification and Evolution:
Scientists continue to discover and classify new crab species and examine the evolutionary relationships between different crab families.
Aquaculture and Fisheries Management:
Research helps improve the sustainability of crab fisheries by determining optimal harvesting methods and regulations.
Please note that the field of crab research is constantly evolving, and new discoveries are made regularly, expanding our understanding of these fascinating crustaceans. For the most up-to-date information on crab species and research, it is advisable to consult recent scientific literature and research publications.
