Portunus trituberculatus, known as the horse crab, known as the gazami crab or Japanese blue crab, is the most widely fished species of crab in the world, with over 300,000 tonnes being caught annually, 98% of it off the coast of China.

Their Scientific Name Suggests They're Delicious The blue crab's scientific name is Callinectes sapidus, which translates to “savory beautiful swimmer.” Indeed, their back legs, which are paddle shaped, make them excellent swimmers. And blue crabs are prized for their sweet, delicate flavor and tender meat.

Blue crabs are native to the Chesapeake Bay region, so ever since the first European colonists arrived in Maryland in the 17th century, fishermen have been harvesting crabs around the various shores — for fun and for nourishment.

The Atlantic blue crab (also known as the Chesapeake Blue Crab) is a common species along the east coast of the United States and in the Gulf of Mexico and lives as far south as Argentina.