You may know stone crabs for their sweet, meaty claws, but these fascinating creatures are so much more than just a delicacy. At George Stone Crab, we work with them every day, catching, cooking, and shipping fresh claws to seafood lovers across the country. So, what are stone crabs, and why are they so special?

Where They Live

Florida stone crabs are native to the warm, coastal waters of the southeastern United States, especially around the Florida Keys. You’ll often find them in shallow areas like sandy bays, grassy sea beds, and rocky crevices where they can dig burrows and hide out during the day. Most live in water less than 30 feet deep, although they can be found much deeper.

The stone crab habitat plays a vital role in their life cycle and directly influences the freshness and flavor of their claws. That’s why our boats at George Stone Crab head out every morning to pull traps straight from these pristine Florida waters.

What They Look Like

Stone crabs are small-to-medium-sized crustaceans with a reddish-brown shell and a pair of large, powerful claws. The tips of their claws are dark and glossy, almost like they’ve been dipped in ink.

The claws are what make them famous — not just for their flavor, but for their strength. In fact, a stone crab claw can exert over 19,000 pounds of pressure per square inch, stronger than many industrial tools. They use this strength to hunt and defend themselves against predators like octopuses, sea turtles, and larger fish.

What They Eat

Stone crabs are bottom-dwellers and opportunistic feeders. Their diet reflects this. They scavenge along the ocean floor for just about anything they can find. The typical stone crab diet includes:

• Small shellfish like oysters and clams
  

• Snails and other crustaceans
  

• Dead fish or bits of organic plant matter
  
  

With their crushing claws, they easily break open hard shells to get to the meat inside. No utensils needed!

How They Regrow Their Claws

Here’s one of the coolest things about stone crabs: their claws can grow back. When fishermen harvest claws, they take just one from each crab and return the animal safely to the water. Over time, the crab regenerates its missing claw, and the cycle starts again.

This unique ability is what makes stone crab harvesting one of the most sustainable seafood practices around. It’s a system that lets us enjoy their delicious claws while still protecting wild populations for generations to come. If you’re curious when harvesting is allowed, it’s all regulated during the official stone crab season, which typically runs from mid-October through early May.

Why Stone Crabs Are So Popular

Stone crab claws are a true delicacy, often compared to lobster for their firm texture and sweet, clean flavor. They’re typically served chilled and pre-cracked, with a side of mustard sauce or melted butter.

At George Stone Crab, we sort our claws by size — from medium all the way up to colossal — and ship them straight to your door within hours of being cooked. It’s as fresh as it gets without catching them yourself.

Curious to try them for yourself?

Order now and enjoy one of Florida’s most iconic seafood experiences, delivered right to your table. Want the full experience without the prep? George Stone Crab’s Meal Bundles come with fresh claws, our signature mustard sauce, and everything you need for a ready-to-enjoy seafood feast. Just chill, crack, and serve. Florida’s finest, delivered straight to your door!