softshell crab
VU

softshell crab

Callinectes sapidus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callinectes_sapidus

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Blue crab populations face mounting pressure from overfishing across their range, with commercial and recreational harvests exceeding sustainable levels in many estuaries. Coastal development and pollution have degraded critical nursery habitats, while climate change is altering salinity patterns and water temperatures that blue crabs depend on for successful reproduction. Agricultural runoff creating hypoxic dead zones has eliminated vast areas of suitable habitat, particularly affecting juvenile recruitment in key breeding areas.

Threat summary

Habitat

Blue crabs inhabit estuarine and coastal marine environments from Nova Scotia to Argentina, preferring brackish waters with muddy or sandy bottoms. They require access to both shallow seagrass beds for juvenile development and deeper waters for adult feeding and reproduction.

FRESHWATER· majorMARINE· majorMARINE· majorMARINE· major

Other threatened species in Portunidae

blunt-tooth swimming crabVU

blunt-tooth swimming crab

Callinectes bocourti

Unknown

Threatened in Albania

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Anthophore estivaleCR

Anthophore estivale

Anthophora aestivalis

Unknown
Adonis BlueVU

Adonis Blue

Lysandra bellargus

Unknown
VU

Anthribus fasciatus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is softshell crab classified as Vulnerable?
softshell crab is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Blue crab populations face mounting pressure from overfishing across their range, with commercial and recreational harvests exceeding sustainable levels in many estuaries. Coastal development and pollution have degraded critical nursery habitats, while climate change is altering salinity patterns and water temperatures that blue crabs depend on for successful reproduction. Agricultural runoff creating hypoxic dead zones has eliminated vast areas of suitable habitat, particularly affecting juvenile recruitment in key breeding areas.
Where does softshell crab live?
softshell crab occurs in Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, and Aruba (plus 69 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to softshell crab?
The main threats to softshell crab are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.