First, the shape is different.
Hairy crabs are larger in size and have a flattened body with a cephalothorax width that exceeds the width of the body. Their body color is usually dark green or dark green, while their belly is milky white. Whereas, crabs are comparatively small in size, with a rectangular or round body and equal width of the cephalothorax and abdomen. Their body color is usually dark red or brown, while their belly is pale yellow.
Second, the habits are different.
Hairy crabs are freshwater creatures that mainly live in rivers and lakes. They love to swim in the water and feed on algae, aquatic weeds, and plankton. Whereas, crabs are marine creatures that mainly live in the ocean. They prefer to crawl on the bottom of the sea, feeding on algae, aquatic weeds, and benthic animals.
Third, the taste is different.
The meat of hairy crabs is delicate, delicious, and has a very good taste. They are also very rich in crab roe and are an important ingredient in making crab roe soup, crab roe fried rice, and other delicacies. The meat quality of crabs is relatively coarse, and the taste is not as delicious as hairy crabs. They also have less crab roe and are usually only used to make some simple dishes.
Fourth, the nutritional value is different.
Hairy crabs and crabs are rich in nutrients such as protein, fat, and vitamins. However, hairy crabs have a higher protein content and a lower fat content, whereas crabs have a lower protein content and a higher fat content. In addition, hairy crabs are also rich in nutrients such as trace elements and unsaturated fatty acids, and have high nutritional value. Crabs, on the other hand, are rich in calcium, phosphorus and other mineral elements, which also have certain benefits for bone health.
Fifth, the way to eat is different.
Hairy crabs can usually be used to make a variety of delicacies, such as steamed hairy crabs, braised hairy crabs, crab roe soup, etc. Crab, on the other hand, can usually be used to make simple dishes such as steamed crab, crab fried rice, etc. In addition, due to the delicate and delicious meat of hairy crabs, they are often used to make more delicate dishes. Crabs, on the other hand, have relatively coarse flesh and are often used to make simpler dishes.
In short, although hairy crabs and crabs are both aquatic animals, they are very different in terms of appearance, habits, taste, nutritional value and eating methods. In daily life, we can choose aquatic foods that suit us according to our tastes and needs.