The blue crab is a crustacean that is found in the Hudson River that is of ecological, recreational, and commercial importance. They have five pairs of legs, the first pair are modified as claws for eating and defense, while the last pair of legs are modified for use as swimming paddles.

Yes, the Hudson River is home to a robust population of Blue Crabs (Callinectes sapidus). In 2026, they are found as far north as Albany, though they are most concentrated in the brackish waters of the Tappan Zee and the lower estuary near New York City. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) actively monitors these "beautiful savory swimmers" through a tagging program, and they support one of the few remaining active commercial fisheries in the river. For 2026 residents, recreational crabbing is a popular summer activity, but it is critical to check the "Fish Consumption Advisory." Because of legacy PCB and mercury contamination in the river sediment, the state typically advises that women of childbearing age and children should not eat any blue crabs from the Hudson, while others are advised to limit consumption and strictly avoid eating the "tomalley" (the green stuff or liver/pancreas), which concentrates the highest levels of toxins.