Blue Crab & Dungeness Crab
Crabs are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of foods, including:
- Animals: Crabs eat a variety of small animals, including worms, snails, clams, oysters, mussels, fish, and other crabs. They will also eat dead animals.
- Plants: Crabs will eat a variety of plants, including algae, seaweed, and seagrass. They will also eat detritus, which is organic matter that has fallen to the bottom of the ocean.
Looking for crab bait ideas? Read this page.
Crabs are an important part of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. They help to control populations of other animals, such as small fish and shellfish. They also help to clean up the environment by eating detritus.
Crabs are a popular food source and are harvested commercially and recreationally. They are typically steamed or boiled and served with melted butter.
Here are some additional facts about crab diets:
- Crabs have strong jaws and claws that they use to crush and tear their food.
- Crabs have a digestive system that is adapted to eating a variety of foods.
- Crabs play an important role in the Chesapeake Bay food web.
Here are some tips for catching blue crabs:
- Use a crab trap or net.
- Bait your trap or net with fish, chicken, or other small animals.
- Place your trap or net in areas where blue crabs are known to live, such as in shallow water near marshes or in areas with a lot of vegetation.
- Check your trap or net frequently.
- Release any undersized or female crabs.