Determining the Gender of Callinectes sapidus

• Gender can be determined by coloration of the chela

• Or, more accurately through the shape of the crabs apron

Immature female

 An immature female crab has a triangular apron (shown above)

Female crabs will also have red tipped chela, or claws

Mature Female

Upon reaching maturation the female molts for the last time, and the apron shape changes from triangular to this broaded semi-circular pattern.

You can also see the characteristic red coloration of the front claws.

Male Blue Crab

The apron on the male crab is narrower and more stalk-like than the females apron.

The shape changes slightly over time, but retains the characteristic shape shown above.

Also, notice the blue claws without the red tips, which adorn female chela