457791 Tue Nov 06 08:17:17 -0800 2007 2 10 Florida 0 3099606 Stone crab season is in full swing, so I'd like to throw out some info for those unfamiliar with them. They are harvested between October 15th and May 15th, and, interestingly, only one claw is removed from the captured crab. The (now one-armed) crab is tossed back in the water, to regrow his delicious claw just in time for next season. The claws must be boiled, and then chilled, which prevents the meat from sticking to the shell (this all happens before the claws are shipped). The claws are normally sold by the pound in markets and restaurants, and the size designations are as follows: Medium/.19 lbs and under Large/ .20-.29 lbs. Jumbo/ .30-.39 lbs. Colossal/ .40 and up Some places do 'Selects', which are between Medium and Large, or 'Junior Jumbos', which are between Large and Jumbo. At my local fish market, which happens to be the incredible Capt. Jim's (which is also a restaurant), the prices as of today were as follows: Size Retail/Restaurant Medium $19/21 Large $25/27 Jumbo $33/35 Colossal $37/39 But I wasn't actually there for claws, in fact, I was at Capt. Jim's buying rock shrimp, which they get from up Port Canaveral way, peeled, deveined, and previously frozen, and sell for about $8/lb, and fresh, delivered that morning, whole yellow tail for $7/lb. (they also had Hog and Mangrove snapper, and fresh mahi-mahi). I bought a 1 ½ lb. fish, and they clean it for you, or will butterfly, etc. They have a sign that explains the different ways they will clean it for you-take a quick look or ask-they're very friendly. If you ask for the J/C (just clean), they leave on the head and tail, and it makes for a nice presentation. Capt. Jim's 12950 W.Dixie Hwy North Miami, FL 33161 (305) 892-2812 For more info on claws and to watch a video of a claw being removed, go to http://www.freshchoiceseafood.com/stcrha20.html Tue Nov 06 08:17:17 -0800 2007 41156 Miami Danny 1 3101171 Danny, pretty good info! Only thing I would add is that both claws can indeed be harvested, provided they are 2 3/4" long from immovable finger to first joint. Usually, though, they are different sizes and only one is long enough to harvest. There is some controversy over doing this, as it leaves the crab entirely defenseless; however it is legal. What is the $2 difference in prices you listed? Tue Nov 06 14:15:35 -0800 2007 3099606 14166 joan 2 3101481 Do crabs have enemies? They must because they are so tasty. Sorry that wasn't clear-they are retail/on-premises prices. Capt. Jim's is a market and a restaurant serving simple fresh seafood, including great cracked conch. Tue Nov 06 16:10:30 -0800 2007 3101171 41156 Miami Danny