Crab – Big

Crabs are one of the most widely consumed and appreciated seafood options around the world, known for their rich, sweet, and succulent meat as well as their versatility in cooking. Belonging to the Brachyura order, crabs have a distinct, broad, flattened body with a hard exoskeleton that serves as protection, and they possess two large claws and eight walking legs. These crustaceans are found in oceans, freshwater rivers, and coastal habitats across the globe, with over 6,800 species identified, ranging from the tiny pea crab to the giant Japanese spider crab whose legs can span up to 12 feet. Crabs play an essential role in the marine ecosystem, acting as scavengers and predators, helping to maintain balance in their environments by feeding on small fish, mollusks, algae, and detritus. They are opportunistic feeders, meaning they eat a wide variety of organic material, contributing to the health and productivity of marine and coastal habitats. Crabs undergo molting, a process where they shed their old shell to allow for growth, which results in the appearance of soft-shell crabs that are prized in certain cuisines for their delicate, tender meat.