Open Year-Round
Mud Crab
Scylla spp.
Also known as: Muddy, mangrove crab
DPIRD Category
Crustacean
Peak Season
March - November
Difficulty
Beginner
Fight Rating
★☆☆☆☆
Regulations & Limits
CRUSTACEAN
Limits by Bioregion
West Coast
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
South Coast
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Gascoyne
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Pilbara
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley)
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au
Size & Weight
| Typical Size | 15-20 cm carapace |
| Max Size | 24 cm carapace |
| Typical Weight | 0.5-1.5 kg |
| Max Weight | 3.5 kg |
Habitat
Where: Mangrove-lined estuaries, tidal creeks and mudflats in tropical/subtropical waters
Depth: Intertidal to 5m
ID Features: Two species: green mud crab (larger, sharp elbow spines) and brown mud crab (smaller, blunt elbow spines)
Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak
Available
Poor
Peak: March - November | Water Temp: 22-32°C
How to Catch Mud Crab
1
Drop netting
Setup
- Line: N/A
- Leader: N/A
Best Baits
- Chicken frames
- Fish heads
- Mullet
Eating Quality
Flesh: Sweet, succulent white meat
Best cooked: Steamed, boiled, chilli mud crab, garlic butter
The Fight
N/A - caught by drop net or hand. Handle with care as their powerful claws can cause serious injury.