Open Year-Round

Blue Swimmer Crab

Portunus armatus

Also known as: Blue Manna, Swimmer, Sand Crab

DPIRD Category Crustacean
Peak Season Year round
Difficulty Easy
Fight Rating ★★★☆☆
Blue Swimmer Crab

Regulations & Limits

CRUSTACEAN

Limits by Bioregion

West Coast OPEN
Min Size 127mm
Individual Limit 10 fish
Mixed Limit N/A
Boat Limit 20 (with 2+ licensed fishers)
✓ Open year-round.
South Coast OPEN
Min Size 127mm
Individual Limit 20 fish
Mixed Limit N/A
✓ Open year-round.
Gascoyne OPEN
Min Size 127mm
Individual Limit 20 fish
Mixed Limit N/A
✓ Open year-round.
Pilbara N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley) OPEN
Min Size 127mm
Individual Limit 20 fish
Mixed Limit N/A
✓ Open year-round.

Good to Know

  • Berried (egg-carrying) females are PROTECTED - release immediately
  • Measure across widest part of carapace tip to tip
  • Legal gear: hand, wire hook, drop net (max 1.5m), scoop net
  • Max 10 drop nets per person or per boat

ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au

Size & Weight

Typical Size0 cm
Max Size0 cm
Typical Weight0 kg
Max Weight0 kg

Habitat

Where: Sandy/muddy bottom, estuaries, coastal

Depth: 1-50m

ID Features: Blue-brown shell, flattened rear swimming legs, sharp claws

Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak Available Poor

Peak: Year round | Water Temp: 18 – 28°C

How to Catch Blue Swimmer Crab

1

Crab nets

Setup

  • Line: N/A
  • Leader: N/A

Top Lures

  • N/A - Use drop nets or scoop

Best Baits

  • Chicken frames
  • Fish frames
  • Roo bones

Eating Quality

★★★★★ Excellent

Flesh: White

Best cooked: Boiled, chilli crab, pasta

The Fight

★★★☆☆ 3/5

Good sport on appropriate tackle.

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