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What Eats Crabs? (46 Animals with Pictures)

What Eats Crabs

Animals that eat crabs include fish, birds, eels, bats, and humans.

While most people think of crabs as being a dish for humans, they are actually an important item of food in the animal kingdom as well.

There are many different types of animals that eat crabs, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Some of these animals are predators and some are scavengers. Read on to learn more about the different types of animals that eat crabs.

Examples of Animals that Eat Crabs

1. American Eel

American Eel
Scientific NameAnguilla rostrata
Type of AnimalFish
RangeVenezuela, Greenland, and Iceland
DietCarnivore

The American eel is a long, slender fish that can be found in fresh and salt water habitats. This fish is a top predator in its environment and feeds on a variety of prey items, including crabs. The American eel uses its sharp teeth to pierce the exoskeleton of the crab and extract the meaty insides.

2. Atlantic Croaker

Scientific NameMicropogonias undulatus
Type of AnimalFish
RangeMaine, Argentina, The United States
DietCarnivore

The Atlantic croaker is a common fish that can be found in coastal waters from Maine to Texas. This fish feeds on a variety of prey items, including crabs. The Atlantic croaker uses its strong jaws to crush the crab exoskeleton and extract the meaty insides.

3. Bats

Microbat
Scientific NameChiroptera
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeWorldwide
DietOmnivore

Bats are a common sight in many parts of the world and can be found roosting in trees, caves, and other dark places. These animals feed on a variety of prey items, including insects, fruit, and crabs.

4. Boa Constrictors

boa constrictor
Scientific NameBoa constrictor
Type of AnimalReptile
RangeMexico and Argentina
DietCarnivore

Boa constrictors are large, non-venomous snakes that are found in tropical environments. These snakes are ambush predators and feed on a variety of prey items, including crabs.

5. Catfish

catfish
Scientific NameSiluriformes
Type of AnimalFish
RangeWorldwide
DietOmnivore

Catfish are a common fish that can be found in many waterways throughout the United States. This fish is a scavenger and will eat a variety of items, including crabs.

Related Article: Do Catfish Eat Shrimp?

6. Chameleons

Micra Chameleon
Scientific NameChamaeleonidae
Type of AnimalReptile
RangeAfrica
DietOmnivore

Chameleons are a lizards that can change color to match their surroundings. They eat a variety of insects, including crabs. Chameleons typically ambush their prey, waiting until they get close before attacking. They normally eat smaller crabs as part of their diet.

Read Also: 27 Examples of Animals with Scales

7. Cobra

Black Cobra
Scientific NameNaja naja
Type of AnimalReptile
RangeAfrica, Asia, and islands of Asia
DietCarnivore

The cobra is a venomous snake found in Africa and Asia. It preys on a variety of animals, including crabs. The cobra typically hunts by lying in wait for its prey to come close before attacking. When hunting crabs, the cobra will coil itself around the crab’s shell to prevent it from escaping.

8. Cod

Cod
Scientific NameGadus morhua
Type of AnimalFish
RangeGreenland, Carolina, Iceland, and Europe
DietCarnivore

Cod is a type of fish that is found in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It is a popular seafood item and can be eaten raw, smoked, or fried. Cod typically eat smaller fish, but they will also eat crabs if the opportunity arises. Cod hunt for crabs by lurking near the crab’s hiding spots and attacking when the opportunity arises.

9. Crocodiles

Saltwater Crocodile
Scientific NameCrocodylidae
Type of AnimalReptile
RangeAfrica, Asia, Australia, and the Americas
DietCarnivore

The crocodile is a large reptile that is found in Africa, Asia, and North America. It is a carnivore and preys on a variety of animals, including crabs. Crocodiles typically hunt by lying in wait for their prey to come close before attacking. They have been known to snatch crabs right out of the water.

10. Dogfish

Scientific NameSqualus acanthias
Type of AnimalFish
RangeThe United Kingdom, Labrador, and Florida
DietCarnivore

The dogfish is a type of shark that is found in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It is a small shark, typically measuring around three feet in length. Dogfish are scavengers and will eat anything they can find, including crabs. They hunt for crabs by swimming along the bottom of the ocean and searching for hiding crabs.

11. Dolphins

Chilean Dolphin
Scientific NameDelphinus
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeWorldwide
DietCarnivore

Dolphins are a type of marine mammal that can be found in all the world’s oceans. They are social animals and typically live in pods of 10-30 dolphins. Dolphins eat a variety of things, including crabs. They typically hunt for crabs by chasing them down and catching them using their teeth.

12. Ducks

Wood Duck
Scientific NameAnas
Type of AnimalBird
RangeWorldwide
DietOmnivore

Ducks are a type of bird that is found all over the world. They are omnivorous, meaning that they eat both plants and animals. Ducks typically eat small aquatic creatures, such as fish and crabs. They hunt for crabs by diving down into the water to catch them.

13. Egrets

egret
Scientific NameMesophoyx
Type of AnimalBird
RangeAfrica, Australia, Europe, and Asia
DietOmnivore

Egrets are a type of bird that can be found in North America, Europe, and Asia. They primarily eat small fish, but they will also eat crabs if the opportunity arises. Egrets typically hunt for crabs by wading through the water until they find a crab hiding in a crevice.

14. Frogs

A frog in the water
Scientific NameAnura
Type of AnimalReptile
RangeWorldwide
DietCarnivores

Frogs are amphibians that can be found all over the world. They typically eat a variety of insects, including crabs. Frogs hunt for crabs by lying in wait for them to come close and then pouncing on them. Some frogs have been known to climb trees in order to catch crabs.

15. Gulls

Glaucous Gull
Scientific NameLaridae
Type of AnimalBird
RangeWorldwide
DietOmnivore

Gulls are a type of bird that can be found all over the world. They are omnivorous, which means that they eat both plants and animals. Gulls typically eat small fish, but they will also eat crabs if the opportunity arises. Gulls hunt for crabs by hovering over the crab’s hiding spots and attacking when the opportunity arises.

16. Hermit Crabs

Dwarf Red Tip Hermit Crab
Scientific NamePaguroidea
Type of AnimalDecapod crustaceans
RangeThe Caribbean, South America, Africa, and Australia
DietOmnivore

Hermit crabs are a type of crab that do not have a hard shell. Instead, they use the shells of other animals as protection. Hermit crabs eat a variety of things, including other hermit crabs. When hunting for crabs, hermit crabs will typically wait until the crab comes out of its shell before attacking. This allows them to get a meal without having to fight for it.

17. Herons

heron
Scientific NameArdeidae
Type of AnimalBird
RangeWorldwide
DietCarnivore

Herons are a type of bird that is found all over the world. They typically eat fish, but they will also eat crabs if the opportunity arises. Herons hunt for crabs by wading in the water and waiting for the crab to come within reach. They then strike out with their beak to capture the crab.

18. Humans

Humans
Scientific NameHomo sapiens
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeWorldwide
DietOmnivore

Humans are not typically considered to be predators of crabs, but they will eat them if the opportunity arises. In some parts of the world, humans are known to hunt and eat crabs as part of their regular diet. Crab meat is a popular food item and can be found in various dishes around the world. Humans have also been known to use crabs for bait while fishing.

19. Iguana

Jamaican Iguana
Scientific NameIguana
Type of AnimalReptile
RangeMexico, Central and South America, the Galápagos Islands, the Caribbean islands, Fiji and Madagascar
DietHerbivore

The iguana is a large, herbivorous lizard that is found in Central and South America. They typically eat leaves, flowers, and fruit, but they will also eat crabs if the opportunity arises. Iguana hunt for crabs by stalking them from a distance and attacking when the opportunity arises.

20. Jellyfish

Box Jellyfish
Scientific NameScyphozoa
Type of Animalphylum Cnidaria
RangeWorldwide
DietCarnivore

Jellyfish are a type of marine invertebrate. They can be found in all the world’s oceans, and typically live near the surface of the water. Jellyfish eat a variety of things, including crabs. They hunt for crabs by floating near the crab’s hiding spots and attacking.

Related Article: Are Jellyfish Alive?

21. Mud Crabs

Mud Crabs
Scientific NameScylla serrata
Type of AnimalPortunidae
RangeHawaii, South Africa, and Australia
DietOmnivore

Mud crabs are a type of crab that is found in both salt and fresh water. They are typically scavengers, eating whatever is available to them. This includes other crabs, as well as small fish, insects, and plants. Mud crabs are preyed on by a variety of animals, including cod, birds, and turtles.

22. Mud Shrimp

Mud Shrimp
Scientific NameCorophium volutator
Type of Animaldecapod crustaceans
RangeWorldwide
DietOmnivore

Mud shrimp are a type of shrimp that live in muddy water. They are a popular food item in Asia and are eaten both cooked and raw. Mud shrimp eat a variety of things, including crabs. They typically hunt for crabs by scavenging through the mud for them.

23. Octopuses

red octopus
Scientific NameOctopoda
Type of AnimalCephalopods
RangeWorldwide
DietCarnivore

Octopuses are a type of cephalopod that can be found in both salt and fresh water. They are the only invertebrates that can change their color to match their surroundings. Octopuses typically eat small crabs, but they will also eat other types of prey if the opportunity arises. Octopuses hunt for crabs by hiding among the rocks and coral and attacking.

24. Pythons

Ball Python
Scientific NamePythonidae
Type of AnimalReptile
RangeWorldwide
DietCarnivore

Pythons are a type of snake found in Africa, Asia, and North America. They are the largest snakes in the world, and can grow up to 23 feet long. Pythons eat a variety of animals, including crabs. They catch their prey by lurking in the underbrush until the prey comes close before attacking. Pythons have been known to eat small to medium-sized crabs.

25. Raccoons

Raccoon in a tree
Scientific NameProcyon lotor
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeThe United States and Canada, Latin America, Mexico, and South America
DietOmnivore

Raccoons are a common sight in North America. They are known for their mischievous behavior and their love of food. Raccoons eat a variety of items, including crabs. They typically find crabs by searching through the trash or by raiding bird feeders in coastal areas. Once they have found a crab, they will use their paws to break its shell and eat the meat inside.

26. Rockfish

Rockfish
Scientific NameSebastes
Type of AnimalFish
RangeAlaska, Aleutian Islands, Japan, San Diego, and California
DietOmnivore

Rockfish are a type of fish that are found in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. They typically live in rocky areas near the shoreline. Rockfish eat a variety of prey, including crabs.

27. Sea Lions

Sea Lion
Scientific NameOtariinae
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeJapan, Korea, North America, Canada, Mexico, and the Galápagos Islands
DietCarnivore

Sea lions are a type of marine mammal that can be found in coastal areas around the world. They mainly eat fish, but they will also eat crabs if the opportunity arises. Sea lions typically hunt for crabs by sneaking up on them from behind and grabbing them with their teeth. They have also been known to break open crab shells with their claws.

28. Sea Otters

Sea Otter
Scientific NameEnhydra lutris
Type of AnimalMammal
Range North America, Canada, and Alaska
DietCarnivore

Sea otters are a type of mammal that lives in coastal areas near the ocean. They are the smallest marine mammal and are known for their thick fur coats. Sea otters eat a variety of seafood items, including crabs. They typically hunt for crabs by diving into the water and searching for them among the rocks and coral.

29. Sea Ray

Sea Ray
Scientific NameMobula birostris
Type of AnimalFish
RangeWorldwide
DietCarnivore

The sea ray is a type of fish that is found in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It preys on a variety of animals, including crabs. Sea rays typically hunt by lurking near the crab’s hiding spots and attacking when the opportunity arises. They have been known to eat large crabs as part of their diet.

30. Seals

Bearded Seal
Scientific NamePinnipedia
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeWorldwide
DietCarnivore

Seals are marine mammals that can be found in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. They typically eat fish, but they will also eat crabs if the opportunity arises. Seals hunt for crabs by swimming underwater and attacking them when they come into view. Seals have been known to kill and eat large crabs.

31. Sharks

Tiger Shark
Scientific NameSelachimorpha
Type of AnimalFish
RangeWorldwide
DietCarnivore

Sharks are a type of fish that can be found in all the world’s oceans. They are one of the most feared animals on Earth and have a reputation for being bloodthirsty predators. Sharks typically eat other fish, but they will also eat crabs if the opportunity arises. Sharks hunt for crabs by lurking near the crab’s hiding spots and attacking when the opportunity arises.

32. Spider Crabs

crab spider
Scientific NameMajoidea
Type of AnimalArthropods
RangeJapan
DietOmnivore

Spider crabs are a type of crab that is found in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. They get their name from their spider-like appearance, which is caused by their long legs. Spider crabs eat a variety of things, including smaller crabs, fish, and marine worms. They typically hunt for food at night by scavenging on the ocean floor.

33. Walrus

Walrus
Scientific NameOdobenus rosmarus
Type of AnimalMammal
Range Arctic and sub-Arctic
DietCarnivore

Walrus are a type of sea mammal that can be found in the Arctic and subarctic regions. They typically eat fish, but they will also eat crabs if the opportunity arises. Walrus hunt for crabs by diving underwater and searching for them near the shoreline. They use their tusks to help them get to the crabs buried in the sand.

Read Also: Do Crabs Migrate?

More Examples of Animals that Eat Crabs

  • Black Drum Fish
  • Cobia Fish
  • Geckos
  • Monitor Lizards
  • Other Crabs
  • Porpoises
  • Red Drum Fish
  • Sea Snakes
  • Skink
  • Striped Bass
  • Tortoise
  • Turtles
  • Walrus

Conclusion

Crabs are a popular seafood item that can be found in both salt and fresh water. These animals are common in many waterways, and different predators eat them for various reasons.

Some predators, such as dolphins and crocodiles, eat crabs for sustenance, while other predators, like bats and the Atlantic croaker, eat crabs as part of their diet.

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