Fisheries-species
Guides
Cardisoma guanhumi
blue land crab, great land crab
Cardisoma guanhumi is a large terrestrial crab native to tropical and subtropical Atlantic coastlines of the Americas. Adults exhibit striking sexual dimorphism in coloration and claw morphology, with males developing enlarged claws and typically displaying deep blue coloration while females remain lighter. The species constructs deep burrows in coastal soils that extend to the water table, enabling survival in terrestrial environments despite reproductive dependence on marine habitats for larval development. Populations have declined across much of their range due to overharvesting and habitat degradation, leading to protected status in several countries including Puerto Rico and Colombia.
Ucides cordatus
swamp ghost crab, caranguejo-uçá, Atlantic mangrove ghost crab
Ucides cordatus is a large mangrove crab endemic to the Atlantic coast of the Americas, ranging from Florida to Uruguay. It is one of two species in the genus Ucides and holds substantial economic and ecological importance, particularly in Brazil where it supports artisanal fisheries. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with females typically larger than males and differing in carapace coloration. Population declines have been documented since 1988 due to overharvesting, habitat loss, and disease.