Both the stone crab and blue crab are common to the coastal waters of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. These crabs are commercially harvested and supply restaurants and seafood markets. Recreational fishermen can also deploy traps rather than buying fresh blue or stone crab. blue crab vs stone crab: What’s the difference?

Are Stone Crab And Blue Crab The Same

Blue and stone crabs are not the same. When comparing stone crab vs blue crab each has a far different appearance in both shape and color. Recreational and commercial fishermen also harvest these two types of crustaceans in different ways.

How To Identify A Stone Crab

The question is often asked, what is a stone crab? Stone crabs have a bulky appearance. The shells are thick and brown with black spots and black ends to the claws. On the belly and undersides of the two pinchers, the color fades to tan. One claw is larger than the other. 

How To Identify A Blue Crab

A blue crab gets its name from the color. The outer shell is blue. Both sides of the upper cover have sharp points protruding from each side. These are critical for measuring. Compared to a stone crab, blue crustacean’s claws are much thinner and can be red. 

Does Stone Crab Claws Grow Back

One of the most incredible things about the stone crab fishery is that the crab does not need to be killed. Stone crab claws will grow back. Some states allow one claw to be removed, while others allow both to be pulled from the crab’s body.

Stone crab and blue crab are often confused despite the significant difference in appearance. The majority of a blue is eaten versus only the claws of a stone variety. There is no such thing as blue stone crab claws.

Can You Eat The Body Of A Stone Crab

Harvesting the entire stone crab is generally illegal. The claws must be removed properly, and the live crustacean returned to the sea. After all, eating the body would yield little meat when compared to that of a blue crustacean. 

When comparing a stone crab vs snow crab, the two live in different areas but also, the body of a snow crab is edible compared to the stone crab.

Why Is Stone Crab So Expensive

Most seafood connoisseurs would assume that lobster is the most expensive seafood sourced in the United States. Lobster does not outprice stone crab claws. Stone crabs come at the highest cost per pound. 

Fishers who trap stone crabs have a labor-intensive job that costs time and money. Consider purchasing traps and fishing for stone crabs on your own. The cost savings can be substantial.

When it comes to a range, there is a population of stone crab NC however, don’t expect to find an abundance of stone crab North Carolina.

Why Are Blue Crab So Expensive

When purchasing crabs live, they are far more reasonably priced than stone crab claws. A dozen large blue crabs will be around fifty dollars. Keep in mind that costs can fluctuate based on availability.

For those in landlocked states, live blue crustaceans can be shipped from coastal fishermen overnight across the country. Enjoy the same freshness as residents along the Atlantic and Gulf. 

Is Blue Crab Good To Eat

Blue crab is excellent to eat. The meat is white and has a mild and sweet flavor, especially in the claws. Many parts of a blue crustaceans can be consumed, including the claws, body, and legs.  However, it is important to know how to prepare them if you want to make the best meal. After all, blue crustacean meat can be a little bland if not prepared correctly.

What Does Blue Crab Taste Like

Comparing the flavor of blues meat to other fish or shellfish can be challenging. The meat is tender, unlike the firmness of a lobster tail. Another common characteristic is that when cooked, the meat flakes apart easily. 

When comparing stone crab vs blue crab taste, the stone crab is sweet and flaky compared to a blue crustacean which is mild and soft.

What States Have Blue Crabs

The blue crustacean population is widely distributed. On the northern end, blues extend into Massachusets and down through Florida. To the west, large numbers of blue crustaceans are found throughout all of the gulf states, including Louisianna, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas. Remember, where ever you are crabbing or ordering from a menu don’t use the term blue stone crab.

Time To Order Up Some Stone Crab and Blue Crabs

The next time you are out at a restaurant or in a fish market in Georgia, South Carolina, or North Carolina, consider either type of crabs. However, don’t use the term blue stone crabs because they are two entirely different varieties. Both are highly regarded because of their taste but also versatility in preparation. Fortunately, they are easy to cook if claws or live blue crabs are picked up from the market. Sample them both and see what’s best.