Florida stone crab

Florida Stone Crab is a species of crab found in the western North Atlantic, from Connecticut to Belize, including Texas, the Gulf of Mexico, Cuba, The Bahamas, and the East Coast of the United States. The crab is named after the U.S. state of Florida, where it is most commonly found.

Description

The Florida Stone Crab (Menippe mercenaria) is a crab found in the western North Atlantic, from Connecticut to Belize, including Texas, the Gulf of Mexico, Cuba, The Bahamas, and the East Coast of the United States. The crab can grow up to 5 inches in length and is distinguished by its large, hard, oval-shaped pincers.

Habitat

The Florida Stone Crab prefers to live in burrows in muddy or sandy bottoms, in depths up to 20 feet. They can also be found in oyster reefs or seagrass beds.

Diet

The diet of the Florida Stone Crab consists mainly of mollusks, polychaete worms, and other crustaceans. They are known to be opportunistic feeders and will consume a variety of other organisms if available.

Commercial Fishing

The Florida Stone Crab is a major contributor to the seafood industry in Florida. The crab's large claws are considered a delicacy and are harvested commercially. The crabs are usually returned to the water after their claws have been removed, as they can regenerate lost limbs.

Conservation

The Florida Stone Crab is not currently listed as endangered or threatened. However, overfishing and habitat loss pose significant threats to the species. Regulations are in place to protect the species, including size limits and a prohibition on harvesting egg-bearing females.

See also

• Crustacean
• Commercial fishing
• Conservation status