Ocean-acidification-sensitivity
Guides
Menippe mercenaria
Florida Stone Crab
Menippe mercenaria is a commercially harvested brachyuran crab native to the western North Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. The species inhabits coastal marine environments including salt marshes and nearshore hard-bottom habitats. Research has documented sensitivity to reduced seawater pH, with acidic conditions elevating stress and reducing foraging activity. Larvae exhibit vertical swimming behavior in the water column. The species is known for frequent grooming behavior using third maxillipeds to maintain gill function.