Other species of "Callinectes" may be easily confused with "C. sapidus" because of overlapping ranges and similar morphology. One species is the lesser blue crab ("C. similis"). It is found further offshore than the common blue crab, and has a smoother granulated carapace. Males of the lesser blue crab also have mottled white coloration on the swimming legs, and females have areas of violet coloration on the internal surfaces of the claws. "C. sapidus" can be distinguished from another related species found within its range, "C. ornatus", by number of frontal teeth on the carapace. "C. sapidus" has four, while "C. ornatus" has six.