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
| Scientific Name | Anguilla rostrata |
| Type of Animal | Fish |
| Range | Venezuela, Greenland, and Iceland |
| Diet | Carnivore |
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 Name | Micropogonias undulatus |
| Type of Animal | Fish |
| Range | Maine, Argentina, The United States |
| Diet | Carnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Chiroptera |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Omnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Boa constrictor |
| Type of Animal | Reptile |
| Range | Mexico and Argentina |
| Diet | Carnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Siluriformes |
| Type of Animal | Fish |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Omnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Chamaeleonidae |
| Type of Animal | Reptile |
| Range | Africa |
| Diet | Omnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Naja naja |
| Type of Animal | Reptile |
| Range | Africa, Asia, and islands of Asia |
| Diet | Carnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Gadus morhua |
| Type of Animal | Fish |
| Range | Greenland, Carolina, Iceland, and Europe |
| Diet | Carnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Crocodylidae |
| Type of Animal | Reptile |
| Range | Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas |
| Diet | Carnivore |
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 Name | Squalus acanthias |
| Type of Animal | Fish |
| Range | The United Kingdom, Labrador, and Florida |
| Diet | Carnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Delphinus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Carnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Anas |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Omnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Mesophoyx |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Africa, Australia, Europe, and Asia |
| Diet | Omnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Anura |
| Type of Animal | Reptile |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Carnivores |
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
| Scientific Name | Laridae |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Omnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Paguroidea |
| Type of Animal | Decapod crustaceans |
| Range | The Caribbean, South America, Africa, and Australia |
| Diet | Omnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Ardeidae |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Carnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Homo sapiens |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Omnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Iguana |
| Type of Animal | Reptile |
| Range | Mexico, Central and South America, the Galápagos Islands, the Caribbean islands, Fiji and Madagascar |
| Diet | Herbivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Scyphozoa |
| Type of Animal | phylum Cnidaria |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Carnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Scylla serrata |
| Type of Animal | Portunidae |
| Range | Hawaii, South Africa, and Australia |
| Diet | Omnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Corophium volutator |
| Type of Animal | decapod crustaceans |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Omnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Octopoda |
| Type of Animal | Cephalopods |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Carnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Pythonidae |
| Type of Animal | Reptile |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Carnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Procyon lotor |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | The United States and Canada, Latin America, Mexico, and South America |
| Diet | Omnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Sebastes |
| Type of Animal | Fish |
| Range | Alaska, Aleutian Islands, Japan, San Diego, and California |
| Diet | Omnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Otariinae |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Japan, Korea, North America, Canada, Mexico, and the Galápagos Islands |
| Diet | Carnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Enhydra lutris |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | North America, Canada, and Alaska |
| Diet | Carnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Mobula birostris |
| Type of Animal | Fish |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Carnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Pinnipedia |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Carnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Selachimorpha |
| Type of Animal | Fish |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Diet | Carnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Majoidea |
| Type of Animal | Arthropods |
| Range | Japan |
| Diet | Omnivore |
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
| Scientific Name | Odobenus rosmarus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Arctic and sub-Arctic |
| Diet | Carnivore |
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.
Hi, I’m Garreth. Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal. When I was younger I always wanted to be a game ranger but unfortunately, life happens and now at least I get to write about them and tell you my experiences.