Callinectes ornatus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Crustacea
- Class: Malacostraca
- Superorder: Eucarida
- Order: Decapoda
- Infraorder: Brachyura
- Family: Portunidae
- Genus: Callinectes
- Species: ornatus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Callinectes ornatus: //ˌkælɪˈnɛktiːz ɔrˈneɪtəs//
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Summary
Callinectes ornatus is a species of swimming crab known as the Blue Crab of the South Atlantic Bight, characterized by its smaller size and distinct features compared to its closely related species.
Physical Characteristics
Light yellow-brown to red-brown shell color, lower tips of claws are blue, maximum carapace width of 93 mm (3.7 in), presence of six frontal teeth on the carapace.
Identification Tips
Distinguished from Callinectes sapidus by the number of frontal teeth (six vs. four) and smaller size (93 mm max carapace width).
Habitat
Found in the western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean coastlines.
Distribution
From Virginia to Florida and south to Brazil.
Diet
Small crustaceans, small fish, and scavengers.
Economic Impact
Not commercially exploited due to smaller size.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Callinectes ornatus
- Blue crab
- Crustaceans
- Swimming crab
- Atlantic Ocean
- Caribbean