Ryan Photographic - Menippidae - Stone crabs
Family Menippidae
The family Menippidae is widely distributed. There are 13 species in five genera. Species live in environments ranging from rock pools and mangroves to the deep sea. Typically, stone crabs have a very powerful cheliped which is used for crushing prey. Unlike many crabs, stone crabs tend to freeze when disturbed. As most have fairly good camouflage, they may avoid detection.
One member of the family (shown below) is Pseudocarcinus gigas, the Tasmanian giant crab. This may well be the largest true crab in the world, with recorded weights of up to 13kg and a carapace width of 46 cm. Valid concerns about over-fishing has led to regulating the giant crab fishery.
Pseudocarcinus gigas Giant Tasmanian crab
Pseudocarcinus gigas Giant Tasmanian crab
Pseudocarcinus gigas Giant Tasmanian crab, my daughter Lucy is on the left
Pseudocarcinus gigas Giant Tasmanian crab, live specimen with gas cigarette lighter for scale