The stone crab has a stout and robust oval carapace, which may appear brown/tan, reddish-brown, or reddish-purple. It has bulbous and stout claws with the tip of the claws black. The stone crab’s carapace and claws are speckled with small black spots, but these spots are not always present. The crab’s carapace and claws appear smooth.
Average Maximum Size:
14 cm (5.5 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
Stone crabs reach adulthood when their carapace reaches 35 mm, or 1.4 inches, in length
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Juveniles may appear dark purple-blue. Depending on how young the juvenile is, a white spot may be observed on the crab's carpus (middle joint segment between the claw and arm segments)
Range:
North Carolina down to the Gulf of Mexico.
Habitat:
Stone crabs are found in coastal salt and brackish waters with soft muddy bottoms. They can be found in mudflats, amongst submerged rocks around jetties, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and oyster reefs. Bottom dweller.
Notes:
Regulated Species:
No, but recommended to only take claws and release whole crab live.
