Portunus pelagicus

Portunus pelagicus

Portunus pelagicus, commonly known as the blue swimmer crab, blue manna crab, or sand crab, is a large crab found in the intertidal estuaries of the Indian and Pacific Oceans (Eastern Africa to Southeast Asia). It is a significant species for fisheries and is widely consumed in many parts of the world.

Taxonomy

The Portunidae family, to which Portunus pelagicus belongs, is a large family of crabs. The genus Portunus was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, and the species Portunus pelagicus was described in 1767.

Description

Portunus pelagicus is a large crab with a carapace width up to 20 cm. The carapace is almost circular, with sharp lateral spines. The front has a pair of long, strong, sharp spines. The color varies from a mottled light to dark blue.

Distribution and habitat

Portunus pelagicus is widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It inhabits estuaries and the mouths of rivers, and is often found in shallow water along the coast.

Diet

The diet of Portunus pelagicus is omnivorous, consisting of small fish, mollusks, and detritus.

Reproduction

Portunus pelagicus has a complex life cycle that includes a planktonic larval stage. Females carry the fertilized eggs, which are released into the water column.

Fisheries and consumption

Portunus pelagicus is a commercially important species, harvested and consumed in many parts of its range. It is caught using traps and bottom trawls.

See also

• Crustacean
• Crab fisheries
• Aquaculture of blue crabs

External links

• FAO Fisheries & Aquaculture - Species Fact Sheets
• WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758)