“Stone crabs” is a common name used to refer to several crab species, typically those with hard, robust exoskeletons that inhabit rocky or gravel‑bottomed marine environments. Below is an overview of some commonly recognized stone crab species:

• Florida stone crab (Menippe mercenaria): Also known as the American stone crab, this species belongs to the order Decapoda and the family Menippidae within the class Crustacea. It is primarily found in the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Connecticut in the United States to the Gulf Coast of Mexico—though it is especially abundant in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico region. Its shell is tough and mottled in shades of brown, red, or tan, and it sports a pair of unequal-sized chelae, with black tips on the larger claw. The meat is highly prized for its rich flavor and tender texture, making it a popular edible crab. Thanks to the regenerative capacity of their chelae, fishermen often harvest only one or two claws before releasing the crab back into the sea.