Crab legs aren’t the only thing good about this clawed creature. This crustacean is an important animal when it comes to symbolism and what it represents. Most people just think these little guys just run along with beach ready to pinch you when you aren’t looking but they have a great deal of importance for many cultures and when it comes to tattoos, the crab also symbolizes many traits and qualities.

In this post we plan to go over what the crab is and what it symbolizes. The crab tattoo can be inked in many variations and colors. This can even mean the symbols represent something else completely different depending on how the crab is depicted. We will talk about the meaning of the zodiac crab, the Hermit Crab and the King Crab tattoos to name a few.

We hope that by the end of this post you feel a bit more educated on the crab and the symbolism the crab tattoo represents.

What is a Crab

Crabs are crustaceans that typically have a very short tail. They in almost every area of the world including on land, the ocean and freshwater. The are usually covered in a hard exoskeleton and have a set of claws. Technically, crabs like the hermit crab and king crabs aren’t really crabs but are included when people decide to get tattoos about them.

Crab behavior differs depending on what kind of crab we are talking about, but they typically walk sideways. This is because the way their legs are make it more efficient to walk this way. Some crabs walk forward and backwards and some even swim but for the most part, they will walk sideways.

They are omnivores and usually feed on algae but will also eat worms, mollusks and other crustaceans.

Crab Tattoo Meaning

Depending on what symbol of the crab you decide to get tattooed will have an impact of the meaning of the crab tattoo. Above all, however, the crab symbolizes the water element and the protection of the sea gods. The crab will give protection to travelers of the sea and will protect them from trouble from what waits on the road ahead. The crab knows how to navigate the waters and will also help you find the way.