Unknown crabs

[tonymanz412]

I have just gotten back from a visit to Indian Rocks Beach Florida. I brought home with me a few critters. One that I am wondering about is a tiny crab. I have three and believe they are all the same type. I found these inside some shells that I had brought back. They were little tag-alongs. The largest is no bigger than a penny. I should also add that I was on the Gulf side of Florida. If anyone can give me any info on what type of crabs these are i would greatly appreciate it. THANKS!!!

 

[peasofme]

they look like regular green crabs. would probably kill animals their size

 

[Peter T]

They look like juvenile stone crabs. They can get pretty big and fishermen here break off the claws of mature ones and release the crab back in the wild.

 

[davantalus]

Sounds slightly mean... why do they do that, Peter?

 

[Peter T]

Oh, they sell and/or eat the claws. Sorry, forgot to mention that. This way, it allows the stone crab to live and regrow their claws instead of killing off the animal .

 

[davantalus]

Cool! I didn't know they could regenerate limbs! Let the crab leg feast begin.