Phylum ArthropodaSubphylum Crustacea, Class

Maxillopoda, Subclass Malacostraca

lower crab, blue crab, blue swimmer crab, blue manna crab or sand crab, also known as alimasag in Tagalog

found in the intertidal estuaries of the Indian and Pacific Oceans (Asian coasts) and the Middle-Eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea

Portunus pelagicus

stays buried under sand or mud most of the time, particularly during the daytime and winter

comes out to feed during high tide on various organisms such as bivalves, fish, and macroalgae

Portunus pelagicus

Male Female

Color Bright blue with white spots

Duller green/brown

Distinction Long chelipeds

More roundedcarapace

Underside Triangular Round(bigger)

Portunus pelagicus

MALE

FEMALE

Life Cycle

Portunus pelagicus

Zoea Megalopae Juvenile crab

Spawning and

berried females

Young adultsMating

Zoea

Megalopa

Juvenile Crabs

Mating Crabs

Berried Female Crab