Species profiles: Life histories and environmental requirements of coastal fishes and invertebrates (Gulf of Mexico): Blue crab. [Callinectes sapidus]

Technical Report · Sun Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1986

OSTI ID:7146016

Perry, H M; McIlwain, T D

The blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, is common in tidal marsh estuaries and coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, occupying a variety of habitats depending upon the physiological requirements of each particular stage in its life history. Spawning occurs from spring through fall in high salinity estuarine and/or coastal waters. Development through the 7 zoeal stages requires approximately 31 days and occurs offshore. The megalopal stage is usually completed within a week. Recruitment to the estuary occurs during the megalopal stage. Molt to the first crab takes place within the estuary. Juveniles exhibit wide seasonal and areal distribution. Growth is rapid and blue crabs in the Gulf of Mexico may reach maturity within a year. Factors affecting growth and survival include food availability, predation, substratum, available habitat, temperature, salinity and pollutants. Blue crabs do not conform to specific trophic levels and are characterized as opportunistic benthic omnivores. Their diverse feeding habits and their importance as prey species for a variety of organisms make them an integral part of coastal ecosystems.

• Research Organization: Gulf Coast Research Lab., Ocean Springs, MS (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7146016
• Report Number(s): TR-EL-82-4/82-11-55; ON: TI87900136
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520100* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ARTHROPODS
ATLANTIC OCEAN
BIOLOGY
CARIBBEAN SEA
COASTAL WATERS
CRABS
CRUSTACEANS
DECAPODS
ECOLOGY
ESTUARIES
FISHING INDUSTRY
GULF OF MEXICO
HABITAT
INDUSTRY
INVERTEBRATES
POPULATION DYNAMICS
REPRODUCTION
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
TAXONOMY