Help on Crab ID!

[ScubaJW]

I found this crab at 'Cuda Reef in Fort Lauderdale, Florida yesterday (July 10, 2010). It was in 28-30 ft deep, 85 degrees, and it was around afternoon. The size of the crab was approximately 3 ft in length if you straighten it out. The claws were so big, approximately 4-6 inches in length. The color was light red/orangish...

I know it is not stone crab, since it doesn't have black tips of the claws.

Thanks in advance! :cool2:

 

[DebbyDiver]

With those long legs, I'm thinking spider crab.

 

[DebbyDiver]

Could it be this crab? Channel Clinging Crab - Mithrax spinosissimus - True Crabs - King Crab, Reef Spider Crab, Coral Crab - Caribbean Reefs

 

[ScubaJW]

DebbyDiver, there you go!! It is Channel Clinging Crab!!! Thanks!!

 

[Dave C]

You have correctly identified the crab. It is the Caribbean's largest species of crab and sometimes appears on menus there. I saw them underwater in Roatan, and you could get them in restaurants there. The claws can be huge. I don't know how common it is in S. FL. Since neither of you knew it immediately, I am speculating that maybe it isn't very common there.

 

[Chugwhump]

I see several of these a year in SE Florida and they are easy to catch.
I do not think they are especially rare..but I may be wrong.
Are they good to eat?

Chug
Will eat anything, but not if it is a rarity.

 

[DebbyDiver]

I see them somewhat frequently, I just wasn't sure from his pictures. I saw a huge one diving the Victories last summer. They are cool and ugly!