* Location: Crabs in colder waters tend to live longer than those in warmer waters.
* Gender: Female crabs generally live longer than males.
* Predation: Blue crabs are a popular food source for many animals, so predation can significantly shorten their lifespan.
* Fishing pressure: Commercial and recreational fishing can impact blue crab populations, potentially reducing their average lifespan.
On average, blue crabs live for 2-3 years in the wild.
However:
* Under ideal conditions, they can potentially live for up to 5 years.
* Smaller crabs (those that have not yet reached sexual maturity) are more susceptible to predation and have a shorter lifespan.
It's worth noting that these are just general estimates, and the actual lifespan of a blue crab can vary significantly.