Monday, August 25, 2025

How do crabs breathe? - The science of crabs


 

🌊 How Do Crabs Breathe?

Crabs are animals that live mostly in water, but some can also live on land. To survive, they need a way to get oxygen.


Crabs’ Breathing System

  • Crabs breathe using gills, just like fish.

  • The gills are soft, feathery organs that take oxygen from water and remove carbon dioxide.

  • Gills are located in a chamber under the crab’s shell, near the legs.


In Water

  • When the crab is underwater, water flows over its gills.

  • Oxygen in the water moves into the crab’s blood.

  • Carbon dioxide moves out into the water.


On Land

  • Some crabs (like land crabs) can also live outside water.

  • Their gills must stay moist to work, so they can still absorb oxygen from the air.

  • That’s why land crabs often stay near water or damp places to keep their gills wet.


Example

  • Marine crabs (sea crabs) → mostly use water to breathe.

  • Land crabs → can breathe in air, but only if their gills stay moist.


Summary:
Crabs breathe with gills. In water, they take oxygen directly. On land, they can still breathe air, but their gills must stay wet.



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