The Blue Crab

ByCapt. Wendy
Creatures of the South Louisiana Estuary: The Blue Crab
©2010 Wetland Books – may not be copied in any way without permission

Hi!  My name is Beaux, (bo), and I am a blue crab.  I would like to tell you the story of my life—where I came from and where I’m headed.  Would that be okay with you?

The estuary waters of south Louisiana are my home, and what a wonderful home it is.

My life as a crustacean (crus ta shun), though short, has been an interesting one so far.  I have gone through many stages and have had many different names.

First, I was just an egg.  My mother carried me around on her tummy until she reached the place in the estuary where the water was just the right saltiness to release my two million siblings and me.

Then I became a larva, floating around in the salty water, eating tiny things floating around me called plankton.  Then I grew by doing a trick called molting, which means I got a new body about four times in about 40 days.  Pretty cool, huh?

By the time I was about six weeks old, I started eating detritus and small fish.  Within a few more weeks, I looked just like a tiny crab. I had a hard shell, six legs, and two big claws, which were great for grabbing my food and putting it in my mouth.

Once I had my swimmers, life really started to get fun!  I could quickly scoot sideways along the bottom of the estuary in a cloud of muddy water where no one could find me.  That came in really handy when we played crab tag!

It took me about a year and a half to grow up and carry millions of eggs on my tummy for the first time.  And wow!  What great fun that was, releasing my eggs and watching them float off into the estuary to make millions of tiny new crabs.

I have had a wonderful life in the south Louisiana Estuary system.  If you ever come to visit, leave your crab tongs at home, please!

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    It became clear to me early on that most of the journalists who arrived at my door really had no clue about our culture and way of life. So, if they wanted a story about how the oil spill had impacted us, then they must humor me and allow me to educate them about this vanishing ecosystem and its people.

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    This oil spill was not an isolated disaster for the people of coastal Louisiana. It was like being kicked when we were already down. And here’s why.

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17 Comments

    1. I agree that unconfirmed research should have never been released, BUT we must keep in mind that the media are vulturistic and they grab any little tidbit they can and run with it, whether it’s been confirmed or not. Looks like we can thank the AP for spreading this rumor.

      Remember the old “no news is good news” saying? Here’s my 2010 version:

      “Good news is no news.”

      The media thrives on bad news because it sells. You know as well as I that they will focus on the worst case scenario every time. So, thanks for sharing this so now Steffi can go get her fill of boiled crab and not worry about glowing in the dark tonight (or whatever it is Corexit of petroleum might make her do)!

      BW

      Reply

  2. Amazon doesn’t list your books, at least not by title.

    E-mail me (please) with infor on how/where I can buy them. I have young granddaughter who would like them.

    Thanks

    Reply

  3. I knew your next character (estuary creature), would be a crab! The name didn’t give a hint though.I think I’ll go buy some of Beaux’s cousins (already boiled ) tomorrow.

    Reply

      1. Beaux’s cousins were safe today. Maybe tomorrow. We were on “grandparent duty” today and I didn’t get out to make my tasty purchase.

        Reply

          1. They either come from Christian Bros. in Gonzales (Lake Pontchatrain crabs) or Tony’s Seafood in B.R. (as in La. Seafood Products).

            Reply

  4. Your story is wonderful, educational and entertaining so that children (and adults) learn without realizing it. Love them.

    Reply

  6. I’ll have to see about ordering this one when it is published to go with the one my grandson won. He enjoyed it tremendously and I think he will like this one just as much.

    Reply

  7. great story as usual. I could only wish for half your talent. I have been forwarding the installments to my grandson in fla and he loves em. I have promised him a book when it comes out and will send him Before the Saltwater Came which I know he will love. God Bless

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Moura! Be sure and look at Amazon.com for an autographed “used” copy. They are cheaper than new, which is $19.95. Also, there are only about 60 of these left in print, which will become “limited editions” here pretty quick. I’m thinking about going to Amazon.com and buying all those used ones for myself!!! LOL!

      Reply