What species of fiddler crabs live in the Bay?
Three species of fiddler crabs are common to the Bay: • The red-jointed fiddler crab, Uca minax, is the most common and widespread fiddler crab in the Bay. Its carapace grows to 1.5 inches wide and has a groove behind each eye. Its major claw grows to 2 inches long and has bright red joints. • The marsh fiddler crab, Uca pugnax, is the smallest fiddler crab in the Bay. Its carapace grows to less than an inch wide and its major claw grows to 1.5 inches long. • The sand fiddler crab, Uca pugilator, is lighter in color than the other two Bay fiddler crabs. Its carapace grows to 1 inch wide; its major claw grows to about 1.5 inches long and is smooth on the underside. Where do fiddler crabs live? Fiddler crabs are found in marshes and on sand flats throughout the Bay and its tributaries. They create tiny, sometimes elaborate burrows for mating, sleeping, refuge from predators and “hibernating” during winter. • Red-jointed fiddlers live in muddy areas in fresh to brackish water marshes. The
