Crab Sizes

Known as decapods crustaceans that belong to the Pleocyemata suborder and Brachyura infaorder, crabs are characterized by a short tail and an abdomen that is found beneath their thorax. Most of them are seen in freshwater. In addition, they are also found on land in areas with tropical climate. They are categorized into 850 semi-terrestrial and freshwater species. Some of the most popular crab species include the Dakoticancroidea, Eocarcinoidea and the Homoloidea. To learn more about them, this article will describe them and identify the different crab sizes.

What Are the Various Sizes of Crabs?

The sizes of crabs depend on species. For instance, the smallest type is the pea crab while the biggest is the Japanese spider crab. The maximum size that pea crab can reach is around 22 millimeters while the leg span of the Japanese spider crab can grow up to four meters. One of the distinct characteristics of these crustaceans is that they move side way. In addition, the patterns of their behavior are complex. To communicate with the others, they usually wave or drum their pincers. Their usual food sources include worms, algae, mollusks, detritus as well as bacteria. Male crabs commonly fight with each other over shelters.

An Overview of the Human Consumption of Crabs

Many people eat crabs because of their nutritional value. They are good for diabetic people because they have high content of chromium, an element that is essential to stimulate the functions of insulin. These crustaceans are also important to prevent the development of some types of cancer because they are rich in selenium. In addition, a moderate consumption of crabs can help decrease the risk of heart diseases such as strokes as well as coronary heart ailment since they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The other nutrients and minerals that people can get from eating crabs include iron, thiamin, protein, vitamin B-6 and vitamin E.

More Points on Crabs

There are various ways of preparing crabs. To cook these crustaceans, humans usually boil them. Some of the most popular dishes in the world that use crabs as their key ingredients include the Black Pepper Crab, Deviled Crab, Old Bay Seasoning and Soft-Shell Crab.

Some individuals can develop allergic reactions to crabs, which are characterized by dizziness, depression and diarrhea. To avoid having health problems when eating crabs, it is important to consult with medical professionals, food experts, dieticians before eating dishes that contain these crustaceans.