Blue crabs are the Chesapeake Bay’s signature crustacean. They are delicious to eat, support commercial and recreational fisheries, and are a key piece in the Bay’s food web. They are also fascinating marine animals that are negatively impacted by pollution in the Bay. Watch as CBF Virginia Field Manager Ken Slazyk describes blue crabs’ key features and their life cycle in this animated video.

Learn more about this important species by watching our Early Lives of Blue Crabs video and completing the Blue Crab 101 Investigation.

Check our Student Investigations and Activities page for more investigations.

Find more education resources here.