Are you a blue crab expert?

Are you a blue crab expert?

Take this 10 question quiz to find out! Whether you are a blue crab aficionado or a casual seasonal shell cracker, this quiz will test your crabby trivia knowledge. The answer key is at the bottom of the page (no peeking!). Once you answer the questions, scroll to the bottom to see how you scored.  


1. How are Maryland blue crabs measured and sized? 

  1. From “point to point”
  2. By weight 
  3. From “claw to claw” 
  4. By how feisty they are 


2. How can you tell the difference between male and female blue crabs? 

  1. Males tend to be larger than females
  2. Apron shape 
  3. Claw coloring 
  4. All of the above 


3. True or False. Do blue crabs continue to grow as they age? 


4. What is the name for the highest quality blue crab meat? 

  1. Prime 
  2. Grade A 
  3. Jumbo Lump 
  4. Buttery Bits 


5. When is commercial blue crab season in the Chesapeake Bay? 

  1. Year round 
  2. April to December 
  3. Summer 
  4. January 


6. On average, how many Chesapeake Bay blue crabs are harvested each year? 

  1. 10 million pounds 
  2. 15 million pounds 
  3. 20 million pounds 
  4. 40+ million pounds 

 

7. What is the name for blue crabs that have shed their shells or molted? 

  1. Soft shell 
  2. Squishies 
  3. Lunch 
  4. Molters 


8. Where in the world are blue crabs found? 

  1. Western Atlantic Ocean  
  2. Gulf of Mexico 
  3. Chesapeake Bay 
  4. All of the above 


9. What do commercial crabbers use to catch and harvest blue crabs? 

  1. Crab puzzles 
  2. Crab pails 
  3. Crab pots 
  4. Crab pickers 

 

10. What is the name of the largest size of commercial blue crab? 

  1. Extra large 
  2. Big Boys 
  3. Colassal 
  4. Jumbo or Jimmies 



Answer Key: 


Question #1: How are Maryland blue crabs measured and sized? Answer: A. From “point to point”

Blue crabs are measured by the width of their carapace or top shell, a measuring term called “Point-to-Point” 


Question #2: How can you tell the difference between male and female blue crabs? Answer: D. All of the above

The most common means of identification is the apron shape (underside of the crab). But, overall size and crab claw colors could also help determine whether they are male or female.  


Question #3: True or False. Do blue crabs continue to grow as they age? Answer: True. 

Male blue crabs will continue to molt and grow throughout their lives. Female blue crabs will slow their growth after their final mating molt. 


Question #4: What is the name for the highest quality blue crab meat? Answer: C. Jumbo Lump 

Jumbo lump is considered the highest quality blue crab meat, consisting of large, meaty portions from the muscles of the swimming legs. It is prized for its sweet, buttery, and delicate flavor. 


Question #5: When is commercial blue crab season in the Chesapeake Bay? Answer: B. 

Commercial blue crab season often runs from early April to early/mid December with the biggest and meatiest crabs often harvested in late Summer and early Fall. 


Question #6: On average, how many Chesapeake Bay blue crabs are harvested each year? Answer: D. 40+ million pounds 

Chesapeake Bay Crabbers follow strict guidelines on how many crabs to harvest, making sure there is a healthy population of crabs for the following season and to sustain the ecology of the Bay. 


Question #7: What is the name for blue crabs that have shed their shells or molted? Answer: A. Soft Shells 

Soft shell blue crabs are a culinary delicacy. These crabs are harvested immediately after molting and before the new shell has time to harden (a period of time that usually takes approximately 48 hours). 


Question #8: Where in the world are blue crabs found? Answer: D. All of the above

Blue crabs are found from all along the Atlantic coast, from Nova Scotia to Argentina. They are most abundant in the Chesapeake Bay and Gulf of Mexico. 


Question #9: What do commercial crabbers use to catch and harvest blue crabs? Answer: C. Crab pots. 

Commercial crabbers use baited wire traps, called “pots” to catch crabs. 


Question #10: What is the name of the largest size of commercial blue crab? Answer: D. Jumbo or Jimmies 

Jumbo or Jimmies are male blue crabs that are over 6 inches from point to point. 


Point Scale: 


0 to 3 Points: Blue Crab Beginner 

No worries, you’re still invited to the crab boil! There’s still plenty of time to learn about (and eat) blue crabs! 


3 to 5 Points: Prominent Pincher 

You’ve graduated from Blue Crab 101! There’s still plenty of learning to do –but– you’re on the right track! Keep on cracking! 


5 to 9 Points: Chesapeake Bay Brainiac 

Impressive blue crab knowledge!!! You certainly know your stuff. We’ll be waiting for the invitation to your crab boil. 


10 Points: Champion of the Callinectes Sapidus! 

That’s the scientific name for blue crabs—but— you already knew that! Huzzah! Cameron might be calling you for employment opportunities. 



Hungry for Knowledge. Hungry for Blue Crabs.  

Say goodbye to the hassle of dealing with fake, undersized, and overpriced blue crabs! You deserve the best crabs in the world, delivered right to your door. We have oodles of blue crab options available on our website, from jumbo to standard. Click this link to explore more!

Show us how you feast! We would love to see you and yours enjoying Maryland Blue Crabs. Reach out on any of our social media sites @cameronsseafoodonline on Instagram or Cameron’s Seafood Online on Facebook. You can even email your crab feast photos to us at contact@cameronsseafood.com



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