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What Animals Prey on Blue Crabs?

The blue crab is native to coastal areas from Nova Scotia to Argentina and the Gulf of Mexico. Its scientific name, Callinectes sapidus, means "savory beautiful swimmer," so there is no doubt humans prey on blue crabs. Other animals, both on land and in the water, hunt these creatures.

Humans
- Humans eat a lot of blue crabs --- between 1987 and 2001, more than 217 million pounds of blue crab were harvested in Florida alone, according to data from the Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce. Most people purchase blue crabs from fishermen who trap them, although some individuals set their own traps or catch blue crabs by fishing. Federal government agencies like NOAA and state agencies study crab populations and set limits for harvests to ensure blue crab survival.
Fish
- Cownose rays prey on blue crabs.
  
  Sharks, rays, and other fish prey on blue crabs. Crabs are especially vulnerable in their larval stage, or when molting their tough shell. During these times, such fish as catfish and red drum can more easily prey on blue crabs. Sharks and some species of rays have strong jaws and can crush a crab's shell.
Other Marine Animals
- Loggerhead sea turtles hunt blue crabs.
  
  Sea turtles and even other crabs prey on blue crabs. Sea turtles are able to eat adult blue crabs, shell and all. Other crabs, including other blue crabs, prefer to prey on juvenile, injured or molting crabs.
Land Animals
- Anhingas spear crabs with their bill.
  
  Birds that fish from shore, like herons and egrets, will stab blue crabs with their sharp bills before picking out the meat. Anhingas, diving ducks and other birds that fish underwater are also predators. Raccoons will snag a blue crab if one is unlucky enough to wander by when a raccoon is near the shore.

Nature