Crab
Cancer crabs are a group of marine crustaceans of the family Inachidae comprising about 40 species. They have been called "true crabs" to distinguish them from related groups such as king crabs and porcelain crabs, which represent convergent evolution rather than true relationship.
Cancer crabs or True Crabs (Brachyura) are dorsoventrally (top to bottom) flattened crabs with an oval outline. Most species are covered with a thick exoskeleton, composed primarily of highly mineralized chitin,] and armed with a pair of chelae (claws). Crabs vary in size from the pea crab, a few millimeters wide, to the Japanese spider crab, with a leg span up to 4 m (13 ft).[6] Several other groups of crustaceans with similar appearances – such as king crabs and porcelain crabs are not true crabs but have evolved features similar to true crabs through a process known as carcinization.
Cancer crabs are sometimes called "true crabs", to distinguish them from king crabs and porcelain crabs, which represent convergent evolution rather than a true relationship. They have an oval outline. Most species are covered with a thick exoskeleton, composed primarily of highly mineralized chitin], and armed with a pair of chelae (claws). Crabs vary in size from the pea crab, a few millimeters wide, to the Japanese spider crab, with a leg span up to 4 m (13 ft). Several other groups of crustaceans with similar appearances – such as king crabs and porcelain crabs are not true crabs but have evolved features similar to true crabs through a process known as carcinization.
Cancer crabs are sometimes called male and female, but most species have no distinct morphological differences between the sexes. The male reproductive organs include an anterior pair of testes; a pair of vasa deferentia, seminal vesicles, and a median infundibulum (spermatophore-receiving cavity). The female organs include a single ovary and oviduct, often with an albumen gland. The nauplius larvae that hatch from fertilized eggs do not resemble the adults; they go through several larval stages before reaching maturity, and in many species change anatomical features many times in their lifetimes.
Global crab production
Crab global production is forecast to increase in 2019 on the back of higher demand from China, the world's largest market for crab. Production in 2018 is estimated at 3.4 million tonnes, up 1% from the previous year. The majority of crab is consumed in Asia, with China accounting for over 60% of global consumption.
In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for crab from other markets, such as the United States and Europe. This is due to the growing popularity of sushi and another Japanese cuisine, as well as the perceived health benefits of crab meat. As a result, prices for crab have risen sharply in recent years.
The global crab industry is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% between 2018 and 2022, to reach a value of $12.3 billion by 2022. This growth will be driven by the continued expansion of the Asia-Pacific market, particularly China, as well as increasing demand from other markets such as the United States and Europe.
The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market for crab, accounting for over 60% of global consumption in 2017. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in demand for crab from China, the world's largest market for the commodity. This is due to the growing popularity of sushi and another Japanese cuisine, as well as the perceived health benefits of crab meat. As a result, prices for crab have risen sharply in recent years.
The United States is the second-largest market for crab, accounting for around 15% of global consumption in 2017. The country has a long tradition of consuming crab, with the Chesapeake Bay region being particularly important for the crab industry. In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for crab meat from other regions of the United States, such as the West Coast, as a result of the growing popularity of sushi and another Japanese cuisine.