The crab is an emblematic creature of the cuisine and culture of Martinique. Representing the richness of Martinique’s fauna and flora , it is a good way to discover the riches of Martinique. On the island, crabs are found in various areas. They can be found in the sea, in rivers and on land. These can have strong historical, cultural and even religious symbolism.
Types of crabs Martinique
There are different types of crabs in Martinique. First of all, in order to discover them, we must distinguish their habitats. First of all, there are the sea crabs or crabs that can be seen on beaches and rocks. The warm, shallow waters of the island’s coasts are an ideal habitat for many species of crabs that are pleasant to admire.
The famous land crab
The mangroves The mangroves also abound with a species of crab known for its delicious taste and tender texture.
The land crab, with the scientific name Cardisoma guanhumi, is one of the most popular species. It is easy to find thanks to its burrow, a gallery dug in the ground. These crabs are eaten at Easter and Pentecost. They are prepared in a dish called Matoutou. The crabs are seasoned and cooked in a delicious mixture of spices and condiments. During Lent, it can also be ideal to prepare crab accras as meat is not eaten in many households during this period.
The land crab hunter’s guide
Eating this crab is an art. It first requires meticulous hunting and then a breeding technique that requires care.
Eating this crab is an art. To achieve your best hunt, here are some things you need to know to find the best land crabs:
- Go crab fishing in Martinique during the regulated period that lasts for 5 months, from February 15 to July 15 each year.
- Choose a fishing spot outside the nature reserves.
- Use wooden or Plexiglas dobbies.
- Don’t forget to place tempting baits like the rod !
- Be sure to place weights such as stones to prevent the crab from tipping the dobby.
- Keep your eyes peeled for a large enough burrow (the larger the burrow, the larger the crab)
- The presence of droppings outside the burrow indicates that the crustacean is there.
- Make sure your crabs’ shells are longer than 7 cm, which indicates their maturity.
Other notable crabs in Martinique
The Crab It’s my fault
In addition, we find many crabs in the mangroves, such as the fiddler crab or “cé ma faute”. This crab has a very amusing appearance as it is not very big but has a claw that is bigger than the other and almost as big as its body. However, his morphology does not seem to bother him because he proudly displays it, which gives the impression that he plays the violin.
The Coutia crab
In the rivers of Martinique, we find a crustacean endemic to the Lesser Antilles: theriver crab (Guinotia dentata) or Coutia. This freshwater crab has a flattened carapace and is covered with a combination of colours ranging from brown or maroon to yellow. It can be found in the upper and middle reaches of rivers and occasionally at the water’s edge.
The Mal Zoreille crab
At the edge of the beach and coconut trees, it is not uncommon to come across the “mal zoreille” or ghost crabs. These small yellow or even transparent crabs are very fast and hide in the sand, hence the term “ghost”. Its camouflage is not its only characteristic, it has eyes which stand out and point upwards.
The Touloulou crab
Scientifically known as Gecarcinus lateralis, is a small terrestrial crab with red and black coloring. It is found in areas where the land is dry but not far from the sea. Its black color is notably visible as a circular spot on its carapace. It burrows in the forests near the beaches, so you may encounter it not far from a tree.
The Zagaya Crab
On the rocks, it's not uncommon to come across zagayas: these crabs have the color of the rocks, allowing them to easily camouflage in this environment.
The Martinique crab is more than just a crustacean. It is an important cultural symbol, often associated with celebrations and community gatherings. Crabs are frequently prepared and shared among family or friends in a friendly and festive atmosphere. The various crab species that inhabit the island and its waters provide opportunities for exploration, offering a variety of flavors and textures that are enjoyed by both locals and visitors.
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