Blue crabs are the taste of the Bay. Before you catch or cook one, here is how to know your crab.
Quick answer: Chesapeake blue crabs grow up to 9 inches across and rarely live more than three years. Males are called jimmies and have a narrow, T-shaped apron; mature females are sooks, with a broad, round apron and red-tipped claws. The Bay Program lists the population as stable.
Contents
- Meet the Blue Crab
- Jimmy or Sook?
- Where They Live
- How They Spawn
- Before You Go Crabbing
- Frequently asked questions
Meet the Blue Crab
The blue crab can reach 9 inches across. Few live longer than three years. Its name comes from Greek words for “beautiful” and “swimmer.”[1]
Jimmy or Sook?
| Jimmy (male) | Sook (mature female) | |
|---|---|---|
| Apron | Narrow, like an upside-down T | Broad and rounded |
| Claws | Blue | Red tips |
Source: Chesapeake Bay Program.[1]
Where They Live
In summer, crabs crowd shallow water and seagrass beds. In winter they dig into deeper mud. Males stay in fresher water. Females gather in the saltier lower Bay.[1]
How They Spawn
Crabs mate from May through October. Then females move to the salty lower Bay. Their larvae are released near the mouth of the Bay.[1]
Before You Go Crabbing
Rules on licenses, sizes and limits differ in Maryland and Virginia. Check the state wildlife agency before you set a trap. The Bay Program says the crab has not been overfished since female-specific rules began in 2008.[1]
Frequently asked questions
What is a jimmy crab? A male blue crab, with a narrow T-shaped apron.
What is a sook? A mature female blue crab, with a broad rounded apron and red-tipped claws.
How long do blue crabs live? Up to about three years.
References
- [1] Chesapeake Bay Program, Field Guide: Blue Crab – last checked 11/08/2026
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