The Chesapeake Bay is a famous water system, especially to Marylanders and even all throughout the Atlantic coast, but it may be outshined by its most notable and well-known inhabitants – the blue crab. Blue crabs are those steamed delights that many Marylanders enjoy every summer. They’re known for their sweetness, depth of flavor, and their delicate texture. However, there’s more to the blue crab than just how they taste. Here are some fun facts about blue crabs!
Where They Come From
Did you know that not all blue crabs are fished out of the Chesapeake Bay? They also have homes in the southeast, particularly Louisiana, and the northeast. Blue crabs from the Gulf Coast are usually heavier than those from the Atlantic. After finding their way into some large ships’ ballast tanks, blue crabs are even found as far out as the Mediterranean Sea.
Lifespan and Sizes
The typical lifespan of the blue crab is four years. Throughout that time, males will shed and grow their shells. Male blue crabs usually grow to be about six and a half inches in total length. The biggest crabs will yield up to 20 percent of their weight from the meat while smaller ones yield up to nine percent. Also, those that live in freshwater environments typically live much longer than those from saltwater systems.
Lifecycle
Male blue crabs will repeatedly mate throughout their lifespan while female blue crabs only mate once. That’s because one time produces enough sperm cells to fertilize the female crab’s eggs for the rest of her life. Blue crabs reach full maturity after one year and shed their outer shell up to 25 times within that first year.
YOUR SEAFOOD DESTINATION THIS SUMMER
Costas Inn has been a Baltimore tradition since 1971. You may recognize our restaurant, which was recently featured on the Food Network with Michael Symon on Burgers, Brew, and ‘Que! We were also voted the 2015 #1 Baltimore Seafood Restaurant by USA Today, as well as #1 Crab Restaurant 2014 in the Baltimore Business Journal. You may have also spotted Costas Inn during one of our 9 appearances on the Today Show or heard one of our many interviews on WJZ TV Channel 13 with Ron Matz and Marty Bass.
You can enjoy our famous crab cakes in-house or order them online for anytime eating. We also provide some of the best seafood catering in the Baltimore area! You can also get your fill from Costas even when you’re not in our dining room: follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube!