Purple shore crab

I was out looking for crab today and came across a few purple crab.They have much larger claws and seem to have a heavier shell.Any idea what they are and can they be used as bait ?

They are known a Velvet swim crab. A good bass bait if you can get them just after peeling

I was thinking that but they seemed a little "chunky" if that makes scene.Ill throw up a picture later but your probably right.There cant be to many species swimming about.

I was out looking for crab today and came across a few purple crab.They have much larger claws and seem to have a heavier shell.Any idea what they are and can they be used as bait ?

Was out my self today and got some white and blue crab...

Edible crab so.

I was out today looking for peelers, checked approx 20 crab about the right size. Zero peelers. Plenty of wee hard skitters that a wrasse might munch. Must wear gloves next time I attempt to overturn jagged limestone rocks.