large crabs with a smooth, broad carapace
can grow to more than 25 cm shell breadth (2 kg), with males generally growing larger than females
have nine similar sized spines each side of their eyes
hind legs are flattened for swimming
have very robust claws, used for crushing shells
vary from dark olive-brown to greenish-blue and blue-black
patterns of lighter colored dots cover the walking legs.
Mud crab (scylla serrata.)this important food crab is common in mangroves where fishermen hook them out of their burrows using long iron rods. They are also found in rocky areas with muddy substrates. Their colours vary from dark green (mangrove habitat) to bluish green (open waters). They feed on any animal matter available, preferring shelled molluscs. Because of their bulk, they use their paddle-like last pair of legs to burrow rather than swim. They are able to stay out of water for long periods. (width of shell up to 23cm).
250 - 350 g (small)
350 - 500 g (medium)
500 - 750 g (large)
750 - 900 g (ex-large)
900 and above (xxl)
