The Atlantic rock crab is found along the Atlantic Coast from New England to South Carolina. It is sometimes confused with the larger and heavier-bodied Jonah crab.
Rock crabs are larger and lighter in color than mud crabs and invasive green crabs.
Rock crabs are sometimes are found along rocky shorelines or tide pools. They are also caught in lobster traps.
Rock crabs are edible but are rarely harvested for food due to their small size. They can be cooked by steaming or boiling. After cooking, the meat is removed from the shell and several in a variety of dishes.
Rock crabs are sometimes used as bait for catching tautog, black sea bass, and other fish.