Water Crabs vs. Meaty Crabs: Choosing the Best Live Mud Crabs in Sri Lanka

 

Sri Lanka is renowned for its live mud crabs, a delicacy prized both locally and internationally. However, if you’ve bought crabs in Colombo, you may have noticed that many of them are water crabs or crabs with only 60%-70% meat content. These crabs are not considered export-grade, which is why we at Bring Maalu source our live mud crabs directly from Negombo and Batticaloa—ensuring you get only the best.

But what exactly is the difference between a water crab and a meaty crab? Let’s break it down so you can make an informed choice when buying live mud crabs.

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What Are Water Crabs?

Water crabs are mud crabs that have recently molted (shed their old shell). During this phase, their new shell is soft, and their body hasn’t yet developed full muscle mass. This means:

✅ They contain more water and less meat
✅ They feel lighter than their size suggests
✅ Their shell may feel soft or slightly flexible
✅ When cooked, they yield less meat with a watery texture

These crabs are not export-grade, and while they may look big, they don’t provide the full, meaty experience that true Sri Lankan mud crabs are known for.

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What Are Meaty Crabs?

Meaty crabs, also known as full crabs, have fully developed muscle mass and firm shells. These are the crabs that make Sri Lankan mud crabs so famous. A good, meaty crab will have:

✅ 80%-100% meat content
✅ A hard shell, indicating full maturity
✅ A heavier weight compared to water crabs of the same size
✅ Thick, firm, and succulent meat, perfect for crab curry, chili crab, and pepper crab

These crabs are export-grade and are highly sought after by seafood lovers, top restaurants, and international markets.

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Why Does Colombo Mostly Have Water Crabs?

In Colombo, it’s common to find water crabs or lower meat-content crabs because:

1️⃣ Easier availability – Many suppliers sell whatever they can source quickly, without focusing on quality.
2️⃣ Higher profit margins – Water crabs are cheaper, allowing sellers to make more money.
3️⃣ Lack of awareness – Many buyers don’t realize they are getting a crab that is mostly water and less meat.

Unfortunately, this means that many seafood lovers in Colombo don’t get the true experience of Sri Lankan live mud crabs.

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Why We Source from Negombo and Batticaloa

At Bring Maalu, we go beyond Colombo’s common seafood markets. We source our live mud crabs directly from trusted harvesters in Negombo and Batticaloa, where the conditions allow for:

✅ Healthier, meaty crabs raised in ideal natural environments
✅ Strict quality selection—we ensure each crab has a high meat-to-weight ratio
✅ Export-grade standards so you get the same quality as international buyers

When you buy live mud crabs from Bring Maalu, you can be confident you’re getting premium, meaty crabs—not just large shells filled with water.

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How to Identify a Meaty Crab When Buying Live

Here’s a quick guide to help you pick a high-quality live mud crab:

✅ Check the weight – A meaty crab will feel heavy for its size.
✅ Press the shell – The underbelly and shell should be hard, not soft.
✅ Look at the legs – Thick, firm legs usually indicate high meat content.
✅ Observe movement – Healthy, meaty crabs are active and strong.

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Conclusion: Choose Quality Over Size

If you’re looking for the best live mud crabs in Sri Lanka, don’t settle for just any crab you find in Colombo’s markets. The real difference lies in meat content and quality, not just size. That’s why at Bring Maalu, we ensure that every crab we sell is:

✔ Meaty and export-grade
✔ Sourced from top locations like Negombo & Batticaloa
✔ Guaranteed to give you the best seafood experience

Next time you’re craving a delicious mud crab dish, make sure you’re getting the real deal—not just a shell full of water.

Order your live meaty crabs from Bring Maalu today and taste the difference!