Blue Crab
Classification -
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Infraorder: Brachyura
Family: Portunidae
Genus: Callinectes
Species:C. sapidus
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Infraorder: Brachyura
Family: Portunidae
Genus: Callinectes
Species:C. sapidus
Morphology
![Picture](/uploads/6/4/6/6/64669477/259768095.jpg?303)
symmetry - bilateral
structure - Ten legs (five pairs) including a claw-bearing pair with spines used for feeding and defense, followed by three pairs of sharply pointed walking legs, and a pair modified as flat swimming paddles at the rear, swimming legs.
appearance - The blue crab is so named because of its sapphire-tinted claws. Its shell, or carapace, is actually a mottled brownish color, and mature females have red highlights on the tips of their pincers.
structure - Ten legs (five pairs) including a claw-bearing pair with spines used for feeding and defense, followed by three pairs of sharply pointed walking legs, and a pair modified as flat swimming paddles at the rear, swimming legs.
appearance - The blue crab is so named because of its sapphire-tinted claws. Its shell, or carapace, is actually a mottled brownish color, and mature females have red highlights on the tips of their pincers.
Biology
![Picture](/uploads/6/4/6/6/64669477/815983882.jpg?250)
2 adaptations for survival - Adult male crabs live in the low-salinity waters upstream, while adult female crabs live in the higher-salinity waters near the mouth of the estuary.
All crabs have both a set of antennae and antennules. The former allow them to feel the world around them, whereas the latter use chemoreception to let crabs smell and taste their environment They see through their eyes, which are located on the end of long eyestalks. The purpose of these eyestalks is to allow them a better field of vision -- they can see in front of themselves, behind themselves and to the sides -- which is an advantage when hunting or looking out for danger.
All crabs have both a set of antennae and antennules. The former allow them to feel the world around them, whereas the latter use chemoreception to let crabs smell and taste their environment They see through their eyes, which are located on the end of long eyestalks. The purpose of these eyestalks is to allow them a better field of vision -- they can see in front of themselves, behind themselves and to the sides -- which is an advantage when hunting or looking out for danger.
Distribution Map
Importance - There is nothing more “Chesapeake” than the blue crab. The Bay’s signature crustacean is one of the most recognizable critters in the watershed, and supports commercial and recreational fisheries. But blue crabs are vulnerable to pollution, habitat loss and harvest pressure, and their abundance has fluctuated over time. Water quality improvements, underwater grass restoration and proper harvest management will help maintain this valuable resource into the future.
Vocabulary -
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Resources -
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/blue-crab/
http://www.chesapeakebay.net/fieldguide/critter/blue_crab
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callinectes_sapidus
Classification -
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Echinodermata
Class:Asteroidea
Order:Valvatida
Family:Oreasteridae
Genus:Protoreaster
Species:P. nodosus
Morphology -
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Importance -
They are commonly bought from pet stores to be put in fish tanks across the world. However, they are known for preying on smaller marine organisms, & eating parts of the coral. In some areas in Asia & Pacific, they have sea shell trade where they sell the starfish's ornate skeleton. There has been a problem with overharvesting. This has decreased the echinoderms. Other than that, this starfish is safe from extinction.
FACTS -
- The Chocolate Chip Sea Star is also called The "Horned" Sea Star.
- It can regenerate its arm if bit or ripped off by a predator.
- The starfish can't see any shape, color, or details. It has eye spots at each end of its tube feet to detect changes in light & dark.
-It is often called a "fish", but really it is an invertebrate animal.
-This and other sea stars have no blood. They have to have water regulate their legs.
Vocabulary -
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