Blue Crab

What is the scientific name of the economically important food crab along the east coast of the United States?

• Callinectes sapidus

• Carcinus maenas

• Scylla serrata

• Portunus trituberculatus

How many pairs of antennae do crustaceans typically have?

• One pair

• Two pairs

• Three pairs

• Four pairs

What is the name of the large pinching organ on the first pair of periopods of the blue crab?

• Mandible

• Kiloped

• Cheliped

• Maxilliped

What is the function of the rounded bumps on one of the blue crab's claws?

• Swimming

• Gripping

• Crushing

• Cutting

What is the term for the appendages used by the blue crab for swimming?

• Periopods

• Maxillipeds

• Chelipeds

• Swimmerets

What distinguishes the abdomen of male blue crabs from that of female blue crabs?

• Males have a thinner, longer abdomen.

• Females have a thinner, shorter abdomen.

• Females have a longer abdomen.

• Males have a broader abdomen.

What is the primary function of the maxillipeds in blue crabs?

• Swimming

• Feeding

• Defense

• Mating

What is the coloration of the blue crab especially after it molts?

• Black and white

• Brilliant blue and reddish

• Green and yellow

• Orange and brown

What is the structure inside the stomach of the blue crab that provides additional grinding action?

• Esophagus

• Mandible

• Digestive gland

• Gastric mill

What is the term for the blood-like fluid in blue crabs, given their open circulatory system?

• Plasma

• Serum

• Hemolymph

• Lymph