Printable Coloring Pages
Crab Coloring Pages
Crabs are some of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean! With their hard, protective shells and sharp claws, crabs are well-equipped to defend themselves against predators and survive in their watery homes.
Crabs also come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, from the tiny hermit crab to the enormous Japanese spider crab. Some crabs even have unique abilities, like the decorator crab which can camouflage itself by attaching objects to its shell.
happy cartoon crustacean coloring page
simple coloring page of a realistic crab
hermit crab coloring page
realistic crab in the ocean
hermit crab
Realistic Crab Coloring Pages
simple coloring page -- realistic crustacean with big claws
Cute Crab Coloring Pages
cartoon crab ready for battle
Cartoon Crab Coloring Pages
heart crustacean
cheerful cartoon crab coloring page
crab
crab coloring page - basic outline
cartoon crab going for a walk in the ocean
crab coloring page peeking from inside shell
exploring tide pools
Zentangle Crab Coloring Pages for Adults:
Coloring pages of Species of Crab:
The Alaskan King Crab is one of the largest crabs, boasting a leg span of up to 6 feet and thriving in the cold waters of the Bering Sea. Its sweet, tender meat makes it a prized catch and a favorite in seafood markets.
The Blue Crab, with its distinctive blue claws and olive-green shell, is a common sight along the Atlantic coast of North America. It is beloved for its sweet meat and is a staple in regional cuisines, especially in the Chesapeake Bay area.
The Dungeness Crab is characterized by its robust, reddish-brown body. It inhabits the Pacific coast from Alaska to California and is a culinary favorite for its rich, sweet meat, often used in a variety of seafood dishes.
The Fiddler Crab is easily recognizable by the male's one oversized claw, which it uses for communication and mating displays. These crabs live in intertidal zones worldwide and are known for their burrowing activities that help aerate the soil.
Halloween Crabs dazzle with bright orange legs, purple claws, and a black carapace. They are a standout in the rainforests of Central America and are known for their nocturnal habits, earning them the nickname "moon crabs."
Hermit Crabs are unique for their habit of living in borrowed shells, which they often switch as they grow. They thrive in groups in both wild and domestic settings, making them popular pets for their interesting behavior.
The Japanese Spider Crab has the largest leg span of any arthropod, reaching up to 12 feet. They're taller than a person!! Found in the deep waters off Japan, this crab is also considered a delicacy due to its large size and tasty meat.
The Jonah Crab features a sturdy, reddish-brown shell and is found along the Atlantic coast from Newfoundland to North Carolina. It is harvested for its firm, sweet meat, making it commercially important.
Pea Crabs are the tiniest crabs, often no bigger than a pea. They live a special lifestyle called commensalism, where they find a cozy home inside the shells of bivalve mollusks like oysters and mussels. These little crabs enjoy the protection and food provided by their hosts without causing any harm. Their almost transparent bodies help them blend in with their surroundings, making them fascinating tiny guests in the underwater world.
The Rainbow Land Crab displays vibrant hues of blue, purple, orange, and red. Inhabiting West Africa, these crabs are often kept as pets due to their striking appearance and interesting behaviors.
Red Rock Crabs are known for their bright red shell and robust claws. Found along the Pacific coast from Alaska to California, they are popular in Asian cuisine and appreciated for their flavorful meat.
Snow Crabs have a light brown shell and long, spindly legs. They live in the cold northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and are valued for their delicate, sweet flavor, often served as "snow crab legs."
more information worksheet and coloring pages >
Coloring pages of Crabs from Mythology:
Chione:
In Roman mythology, Chione is a nymph whose story is interwoven with themes of transformation and protection. One notable tale involves the goddess Diana, who transforms Chione into a crab to protect her from unwanted attention. As a crab, Chione becomes a symbol of resilience and adaptability, embodying the defensive nature of the creature's hard shell and powerful claws.
This transformation also highlights the protective instincts of the gods and the sanctity of the natural world. Through Chione's metamorphosis, the crab emerges as a guardian and a testament to the enduring power of divine intervention in mythology.
Heikegani:
In Japanese folklore, Heikegani crabs are believed to carry the spirits of the Heike warriors who perished in the Battle of Dan-no-ura. These crabs, found in the waters off the coast of Japan, have shells that strikingly resemble human faces, particularly the fierce, determined expressions of samurai warriors. According to legend, these crabs bear the faces of the fallen Heike clan, their spirits manifesting in the crab's unique shell patterns. This haunting and beautiful connection between nature and history serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Heike warriors and the profound influence of their story on Japanese culture.
Karkinos:
In the realm of Greek mythology, Karkinos stands out as a formidable and loyal creature. This giant crab joined forces with the Hydra to battle Heracles during his Twelve Labors. With his immense size and powerful claws, Karkinos fought fiercely, embodying the essence of a tough and tenacious monster. Despite his valiant efforts, Heracles ultimately crushed Karkinos underfoot.
In recognition of his bravery, the goddess Hera immortalized him in the night sky as the constellation Cancer. This celestial tribute honors Karkinos' unwavering courage and loyalty, painting him as a powerful symbol of strength and perseverance in mythological lore.
Horoscope coloring pages - Cancer the crab:
Cancer, represented by the crab, is the zodiac sign for those born between June 21 and July 22. Known for their sensitivity and nurturing nature, Cancerians are deeply intuitive and protective of their loved ones. The crab symbolizes their ability to navigate both the emotional and material realms, often retreating into their shell when feeling threatened. This sign is ruled by the moon, enhancing their connection to emotions and cycles.
Crab in Samoan mythology:
In Samoan mythology, crabs hold a significant place, particularly in the story of Sina and the Eel. According to the legend, Sina was a beautiful maiden who was courted by an eel. When the eel was killed, it was buried, and from its grave grew the first coconut tree. The spirit of the eel is believed to protect the tree, and crabs are seen as its guardians.
These crabs are often depicted as protectors of the sacred coconut tree, embodying resilience and adaptability, much like the tree itself. Their presence in the myth highlights the interconnectedness of nature and the importance of protection and reverence for natural resources in Samoan culture.
Tamatoa:
In Polynesian mythology, Tamatoa emerges as a formidable and awe-inspiring figure. Known as a gigantic coconut crab, Tamatoa is revered for his immense strength and cunning nature. His shell, adorned with an array of treasures and gleaming artifacts, serves as both armor and a testament to his prowess. Living in the depths of the ocean, he is a guardian of the deep, embodying both the beauty and danger of the sea. Tamatoa's imposing presence and his ability to camouflage and protect himself with his shell symbolize the intricate balance of power and intelligence in Polynesian lore. As a mythological character, Tamatoa represents the majestic and often fearsome forces of nature, capturing the imagination with his blend of might and mystery.
Also known from the animated film "Moana," Tamatoa is a colossal coconut crab with an insatiable love for all things shiny. Residing in the mystical Realm of Monsters, he adorns his shell with a dazzling array of treasures, making him as visually striking as he is egotistical. Tamatoa's flamboyant personality and his self-proclaimed superiority are showcased in his memorable song "Shiny," where he boasts of his brilliance and allure. Though he serves as an antagonist, his cunning and resilience highlight the rich storytelling traditions of Polynesian culture, where mythical beings often possess both charm and menace.
Varuna's Crab:
In Hindu mythology, the crab is often associated with Varuna, the god of water, oceans, and the celestial seas. While not typically named, the crab represents the protective and cyclical nature of water. Varuna, depicted as a majestic deity riding a sea creature, embodies the vastness and mystery of the oceans. The crab, with its hard shell and powerful claws, symbolizes resilience and adaptability, thriving in the ever-changing aquatic environment. This association highlights the crab's role as a guardian of the waters, embodying both the nurturing and formidable aspects of the marine world. As a mythological symbol, the crab under Varuna's domain signifies the eternal and protective nature of the oceans in Hindu cosmology.
Crabs and animals that look like crabs with 8 legs (such as some species of spider crabs) are both part of the same larger group of animals known as crustaceans, specifically the order Decapoda. However, they have some key differences.
Crabs are characterized by their broad, flattened bodies and their large claws, which are typically used for defense, feeding, and communication. They also have a distinct "tail" or "abdomen" section, which is folded under their body and is used for swimming, balance, and reproduction. Crabs have 10 legs. The front two legs are modified into claws, called chelipeds, which are used for defense, feeding, and communication. The remaining eight legs are used for walking and are typically smaller and less developed than the chelipeds.
Animals that look like crabs with 8 legs, such as spider crabs, have longer, narrower bodies and their claws are typically smaller and less developed. Their legs are also longer and more spindly than those of crabs, and they are often used for walking and clinging to surfaces.
In summary, while crabs and animals that look like crabs with 8 legs share some similarities, they have distinct differences in their body shape, appendages, and behavior that make them easily distinguishable.
The five most common species of crabs are:
- Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus): This is a popular species found along the Atlantic coast of North America, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay area. It is prized for its sweet meat and is a popular food item.
- Dungeness Crab (Metacarcinus magister): This species is found along the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska to California. It is a large and meaty crab that is often used in seafood dishes.
- Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio): This species is found in the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans, particularly in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. It is a popular food item and is often served as "snow crab legs" or "queen crab legs".
- Jonah Crab (Cancer borealis): This species is found along the Atlantic coast of North America, from Newfoundland to North Carolina. It is a smaller and less well-known species than some of the others on this list, but is still commercially important.
- Red Rock Crab (Cancer productus): This species is found along the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska to California. It is a smaller crab that is often used in seafood dishes, particularly in Asian cuisine.
There are several crustaceans that have a similar appearance to crabs but have different features. These include:
- Horseshoe Crabs (Order Xiphosura): Although not crustaceans, these ancient arthropods have a hard exoskeleton and a horseshoe-shaped head with two large compound eyes. They are often found in shallow coastal waters and are frequently used as bait in commercial fishing.
- King Crabs (Superfamily Lithodoidea): Also known as stone crabs or spider crabs, these large crustaceans have a hard shell, sharp claws, and ten legs. They are commonly found in cold, deep waters and are often harvested for their meat.
- Porcelain Crabs (Family Porcellanidae): These small crustaceans have a flattened body and ten long, slender legs, including the front two modified into claws. They are typically found in shallow, warm waters and are sometimes kept as aquarium pets.
- Box Crabs (Family Calappidae): These crustaceans have a box-like body and ten legs, including the front two modified into claws. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters and are sometimes caught for food.
- Decorator Crabs (Family Majoidea): These crabs have a flat, disc-shaped body and ten legs, including the front two modified into claws. They are known for their ability to camouflage themselves by attaching pieces of seaweed or other debris to their bodies using hooked hairs on their legs.