Help with Crab ID

[JHO007]

Ok, So I was drifting a reef in 90ft today when a rather large claw caught my eye. It was near the end of the dive anyway, so I grabbed it so I could get a pic of it. It was upside down under a rock, and when streched out it was about 1.5 ft wide. I couldn't find any info of it on the net, so I figured you guys might know. Anybody know if its edible/legal to keep?

Thanks, J.

 

[Richesb]

Looks like a Spider Crab. Really of no value.

 

[archman]

When posting, it would help enormously to say where you were diving.

If in the Caribbean or south Florida area, that crab would likely be a Mithrax. From the dimensions you list, Mithrax spinosissimus.

Or, as Riches says, a "spider crab". A honking big spider crab.

Um, what did you do with it? You don't still have it, do you?

 

[Chad Carney]

We stewed chunks of meat from the claws and legs of some big spiders in a tomato paste soup, and it was to die for!

A nice change from the spiny lobsters and grouper we had been eating on that Bahamas trip.

Chad

 

[Richesb]

Spiders can get fairly large. Don't see many down here in the Keys. Interesting though about stewing the meat.
We aren't big on the shellfish here. Large variety of finfish to shoot all week so it's not a problem with getting bored on 1 spieces.

 

[Chad Carney]

Stone crabs are abundant down in the keys too... and they are the next best thing to sex! :d


Chad

 

[Tigerman]

Kinda looks like the smaller brother of this one http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paralithodes_camtschaticus *droool*

 

[Richesb]

Chad,
I'll make you salivate/think. Stonecrabs are out of season right now (crayfish in). We are doing alot of diving right on the edge of the deep reef in 100+ ft. water and seeing Stone Crabs just sitting under ledges - with 2 big meaty claws.
Yes, the thought does cross my mind, but that's not my style.

 

[JHO007]

I was diving off the Fort Lauderdale area. I just took the picture and let it go. I didn't know what it was or if it had any value, so I didn't want to keep it.

I guess they are safe from me for now.