Species · GBIF taxon 5178757
Stone Crab
Menippe mercenariaAlso known as Florida Stone Crab
Florida stone crabs are robust, heavy-bodied crustaceans easily recognized by their massive, unequal claws tipped with shiny black. They excavate deep, protective burrows in muddy seagrass beds and oyster reefs, where they wait to ambush passing prey. Remarkably, these crabs can regenerate lost limbs, a trait that supports a unique fishery where only the claws are harvested before the live crab is returned to the sea.
MarineCrustaceanBurrowing
Licensed referenceAndrea Westmoreland from DeLand, United States / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Carnivorous, feeding primarily on oysters, clams, snails, and smaller crabs.
- family
- Menippidae
- threats
- Overfishing, habitat degradation, water pollution, and ocean acidification.
- life Span
- 7 to 8 years
NE
Possesses extremely powerful claws capable of crushing bone; handle with extreme caution.
The massive crusher claw can exert pressure up to 19,000 pounds per square inch, capable of breaking fingers and causing severe crush injuries.
Never attempt to pick up a wild stone crab; if necessary, handle only by securing both claws simultaneously from behind.- Observe from a distance: Watch them near oyster reefs or jetties at low tide when they may emerge near their burrows.
- Do not handle: Their crushing claw can exert immense pressure, easily breaking fingers.