Mud Crab
Scylla serrata · SIL-la ser-AH-ta
nocturnalsolitaryLeast Concern
EdibleUnfriendlyDangerous
Superpower
Crushes thick shells with one oversized claw built like a nutcracker.
At a glance
- Size
- typically 15 cm, up to 28 cm
- Lifespan
- 3–4 years
- Depth
- 0–10 m
Habitat
Mangroves, estuaries and muddy tidal flats.
Diet
Shellfish, small crabs and carrion.
Can I eat it?
Yes — edible · tastiness 9/10.
How to cook: Steamed or in coconut crab stew — the famed 'alimango'.
Safety
- Dangerous3/10
Powerful claws can give a serious pinch.
Fun facts
- Alimango is a star of Filipino seafood feasts.
- It is widely farmed in mangrove ponds.
- One claw is larger and built for crushing.