Species · GBIF taxon 2225562
Mud Crab
Scylla serrataAlso known as Giant Mud Crab, Mangrove Crab, Black Crab, Serrated Mud Crab
Giant mud crabs are powerful estuarine predators that excavate deep burrows among mangrove roots and muddy tidal flats. Armed with massive, crushing claws, they easily break open hard-shelled mollusks and defend their territory with formidable aggression. During high tide, they emerge to forage across the flooded intertidal zone, playing a vital role in cycling nutrients within coastal ecosystems.
EstuarineCrustaceanNocturnal
- diet
- Carnivorous scavenger feeding on bivalves, snails, smaller crabs, and fish
- family
- Portunidae
- threats
- Overfishing, destruction of mangrove habitats, and coastal water pollution
- life Span
- 3 to 4 years
NE
Possesses exceptionally powerful claws capable of causing severe crush injuries; handle with extreme caution.
Equipped with massive, highly muscular claws designed to crush thick mollusk shells, which can easily fracture human fingers.
Avoid handling wild individuals entirely; if necessary, professional handlers grip them firmly from the very rear of the carapace.- Observe from a distance: Watch them at low tide near mangrove roots where they excavate their deep burrows.
- Keep fingers clear: Never attempt to pick up a wild mud crab as their claws can easily break bones.