Spotted Carapace

The SCKs asked SCDNR why this stone crab's back shell (called a carapace) was spotted. We had never seen a spotted or speckled carapace before.

Gered Lennon, who was actually one of the field researchers with SCDNR prior to the formation of the SCKs,  responded with the following:


"It is hard to describe a stone crab.  I have read descriptions.  They are long and use the words “may or may not have….” commonly.   They may or may not have that deep olive color.  They may or may not have speckles.  To make it worse the same crab may develop or over time, lose colors or spots.  They do not use tattoos or body piercings." 


As far as we know this is true ... we have yet to pull a stone crab with a tattoo or a body piercing. But if we do you, I can guarantee you that the SCKs will get lots of pictures.