Sadly, the swimming days of these Blue Crabs (Callinectes sapidus) that I found on Mustang Island yesterday are long over. Even in death the colors are so very striking which works well with the first part of their scientific name, as callinectes is a Greek combo meaning beautiful swimmer. The second part, sapidus, is Latin for savory.

I have yet to try them but I do know they are a favorite food of the Whooping Cranes which winter down here. Based on the blue with orange tips coloration of the claw, the lone body part was from a male. While the full crab was a female, sporting orange claws with purple (fuchsia) tips.