776 NATURAL HISTORY OF AQUATIC ANIMALS. 



space between the bases of the posterior pairs of legs. During the spawning season, however, the 

 eggs are so numerous and form such a large mass that they throw the abdomen some distance out 

 from the lower surface of the body, causing it to project almost at right angles with the upper 

 surface of the carapax. The upper surface of the shell and claws is of a dark-green color, and 

 the lower surface of a dingy white; feet blue; tips of fingers and spines reddish. 



HABITS, USES, ETC. The following account of the habits of the Blue Crab is by Professor 

 Verrill : 



"The common edible Crab or ' Blue Crab ' is a common inhabitant of muddy shores, especially 

 in sheltered coves and bays. It is a very active species, and can swim rapidly. It is, therefore, 

 often seen swimming at or near the surface. The full-grown individuals generally keep away from 

 the shores, in shallow water, frequenting muddy bottoms, especially among the eel-grass, and are 

 also found in large numbers in the somewhat brackish waters of estuaries and the mouths of 

 rivers. The young specimens of all sizes, up to two or three inches in breadth, are, however, very 

 frequent along the muddy shores, hiding in the grass and weeds or under the peaty banks at high 

 water and retreating as the tide goes down. When disturbed they swim away quickly into deeper 

 water. They also have the habit of pushing themselves backward into and beneath the mud for 

 concealment. They are predaceous in their habits, feeding upon small fishes and various other 

 animal food. They are very pugnacious, and have remarkable strength in their claws, which they 

 use with great dexterity. When they have recently shed their shells they are caught in great 

 numbers for the markets, and these 'soft-shelled Crabs' are much esteemed by many. Those with 

 hard shells are also sold in our markets, but are not valued so highly. This Crab can easily 

 be distinguished from all the other species found in this region by the sharp spine on each side of 

 the carapax. . . . They are usually brought to market early in May, but the ' soft-shelled' 

 ones, which are more highly esteemed, are taken later. These soft-shelled individuals are merely 

 those that have recently shed their old shells, while the new shell has not had time to harden. 

 The period of shedding seems to be irregular and long continued, for soft-shelled Crabs are taken 

 nearly all summer. The young and half-grown specimens of tbis Crab may often be found in 

 considerable numbers hiding in the holes and hollows beneath the banks during the flood tide. 

 When disturbed, they swim away quietly into deeper water. These small Crabs are devoured by 

 many of the larger fishes. During flood tide the large Crabs swim up the streams like many fishes 

 and retreat again with the ebb. They feed largely on fishes, and often do much damage by eating 

 fishes caught in set-nets, frequently making large holes in the nets at the same time." 1 



Besides devouring living animals, the Blue Crab "feeds on dead animal matter in its various 

 stages of putrescence, and is one of the many depurators of the ocean. It often buries itself in 

 the sand, so that no part is visible but the eyes and anterior antennae; these last are then in 

 continual motion, the bifid terminal joint acting as forceps to seize and convey to its mouth the 

 small molluscous animals for food. The shell is cast annually, and they are then known by the 

 name of 'soft shell Crab,' are very delicate, and in particular request for the table. In this state 

 the Crab is incapable of any defense from its enemies; the male usually retires to a secluded 

 situation for security, but the adult female is protected by a male whose shell is hard. They are 

 then called double Crabs." 2 



On different parts of the coast, Crabs in the soft state are known respectively as " Soft Crabs," 

 "Shedders," or "Peelers." The terms "Soft Crab," "Paper-shell," and "Buckler" denote the 

 different stages of consistency of the shell, from the time of shedding until it has become nearly 



1 Vinc.Viird Sound l.Vport, pp. :!(I7, :ifi8, 408, 1871-'72. 

 S SAY: Joum. Acail. Nat. Kci. Pliila,, i, p. 06, 1817. 



