List of the Different Crabs

Crabs come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. They can be found on beaches and in oceans all around the world. Many varieties are considered delicacies and are hunted for food. There are far too many species of crab to list in a single sitting, but there are some species of crab that are more common and much more well-known than others.

  1. Hermit Crab

    • The term "hermit crab" actually encompasses over 100 subspecies of crab, but they all share enough commonalities to be branded with the same name. Like other crabs, hermit crabs have a hard exoskeleton early in their life. Unlike other crabs, the exoskeleton does not grow as the crab grows, and is shed as the crab becomes too large. Once the exoskeleton is shed, the hermit crab will search for some other form of protection for itself. Usually, the hermit crab will take over a nearby seashell to protect itself from predators. As the hermit crab continues growing, he will need to abandon that shell for another one that fits its frame. This practice of constantly taking over and discarding shells is where the hermit crab gets its name.

    Dungeness Crab

    • When one mentions "crab" in its most generic form, it is probable that the crab being spoken of is the "Dungeness crab." In addition to looking like a creation straight out of H.P. Lovecraft's pipe dreams, the Dungeness crab is one of those crabs considered a delicacy and hunted for its meat. It is named after the town of Dungeness in the state of Washington, and may grow to over 6 inches across in size. The crab's topside is completely covered with a hard carapace. This carapace softens and molts off during the summer and early fall.

    Fiddler Crab

    • Fiddler crabs are an oddity in the crab world, made so because the disparity in size between its pincer claws. While most crabs have two pincers that are proportionate to their body size, the male fiddler crab has one normal-sized pincer, and one pincer that is almost as large as his entire body. The enlarged claw can be either the right or the left one, and is what gives the crab its unique name. If the male loses its enlarged claw, the remaining claw will grow to the size of the lost claw. The other claw will regenerate, but it will only grow to normal size.

    King Crab

    • Up to this point, all the crabs referenced have been small, the largest measuring six inches across. The King Crab, however, is much larger. The King Crab can, in full adulthood, grow to over five feet across---including the leg span---and can weigh almost 25 pounds. King crabs are another type of crab hunted for its meat, and the legs especially are considered a delicacy. King crabs come in three varieties: red, blue and gold. The bulk of king crabs caught each year consist of red crabs, as they live closer to the surface. Red crabs live in waters up to 90 feet deep, while blue and gold crabs live at depths of 200 and 300 feet, respectively.