Asides from the entire process of catching blue crabs, there is another challenge that you would face after successfully catching them, that is the challenge of keeping them alive until it’s time to cook them.
So the question of, “How long can I live them in the live box in the water" seems to come up frequently.
The answer to this question depends on a couple of factors.
These factors include the water temperature, the salinity, and how much space the crabs have to move around in the live box.
These factors are the basic things to know so you can successfully keep your crabs fresh in the box before cooking.
In this post, I’ll show you the basic factors of keeping your blue crabs alive and fresh in a live box, so you don’t have to worry about them before your next meal, even if you are having a big crab cookout, or just something regular.
How Long Can I Have Blue Crabs In My Live Box In The Water
Despite how tasking it might seem to catch blue crabs, that is somewhat the easy part, while keeping them alive long enough till when you are ready to cook them is a whole different ball game.
So let’s dive into what you need to know to keep you crabs alive in a live box in the water, and how long you can have them in the live box.
1. Water Temperature is Key
One of the first things I learned about keeping blue crabs in a live box is that water temperature makes a huge difference.
Crabs are sensitive to heat, and if the water gets too warm, they won’t last long.
Ideally, you want the water to be cool but not freezing, around 50-60°F seems to work best for me.
I have noticed that during the cooler months or early mornings, my crabs stay lively for much longer.
In the deep part of summer, though, you’ll want to keep a closer eye on them.
If the water heats up, it’s time to cook them or move them to colder water.
2. Salinity Levels Matter
Crabs live better in saltwater, so if you are keeping them in a live box, make sure the water has enough salinity.
I have found that using water straight from the bay or ocean is best, as it has the natural levels crabs need to survive.
If the salinity drops, like after a heavy rain, the crabs start to get really weak.
I have lost a few in the past from not paying attention to this, so it’s something I always check.
Keeping your live box in the right environment helps to make sure your crabs stay healthy until you are ready to get them in a pot and cook them.
3. Give Them Space
Crabs are stubborn, and when they are packed together in a small space, they’ll start to fight.
I have seen it happen in my live box, too many crabs and not enough room leads to lost claws and weakened crabs.
Ideally, you don’t want to overcrowd your live box.
I aim to give each crab enough space to move around freely.
If I have caught a lot, I’ll split them into two live boxes or sort through them sooner rather than later.
It helps keep the crabs lively and reduces stress, which can cause them to die off faster.
So, How Long Can They Stay?
So, how long can you really keep blue crabs in your live box?
From my experience, crabs can last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours in the water, depending on the conditions.
If the water temperature is cool, salinity is right, and they have space, I have kept crabs alive for a couple of days with no issues.
But if any of those factors are off, especially temperature, they can start dying within hours.
Personally, I don’t like to push it.
If I know I won’t be cooking them the same day, I make sure everything’s perfect or plan to cook them the next day to be safe.
Tips for Longer Storage
If you want to keep your crabs in the live box for longer, there are a few tricks I have picked up over time.
First, try to keep your live box in a shady spot where the water is cooler.
I also change the water after a few hours to keep it fresh.
Another tip is to toss in a few ice packs (wrapped in plastic so they don’t melt into the water) to help keep the temperature down.
These little things can make all the difference when you are trying to keep crabs alive for longer than a day.
Recommended Products To Help Keep Your Crabs Alive In A Live Box
These products are designed to make keeping your blue crabs alive in a live box much easier.
I have used both, and they really help maintain the right conditions for your crabs.
1. Aerator Pump
Product: Marine Metal Products Bait Saver Aerator Pump
An aerator pump is a great way to keep the water in your live box oxygen filled, especially if you are storing crabs for longer than a day.
This pump helps to carry the water around and prevents it from getting stagnant.
I have noticed my crabs stay much more active with it running.
It’s easy to attach to most live boxes and works quietly in the background.
And it’s definitely worth it if you are serious about keeping your crabs alive longer.
2. Digital Water Thermometer
Product: Lavatools PT12 Javelin Digital Instant Read Thermometer
Keeping the water at the right temperature is very important, and this digital water thermometer makes it easy to monitor.
I use it to check the temperature of the water in my live box throughout the day, especially when it’s hot outside.
The instant reading lets me know if I need to move my live box to a cooler spot or toss in some ice packs.
It’s a small investment that helps you keep your crabs fresh for longer.
Conclusion
So, keeping your blue crabs alive in a live box is all about creating the right conditions.
With the right water temperature, salinity, and enough space, your crabs can last up to 48 hours.
Personally, I like to keep things simple, check in on them regularly, make adjustments if needed, and don’t let them sit too long.
With a little care and the right tools, like an aerator pump and water thermometer, you can keep your crabs lively and fresh until you are ready to cook them, either for a big feast, or just something a bit more on the casual side.
Additional Reading:
How To Keep Blue Crabs Alive Before Cooking
