Fisheries Queensland's Tips To Identify Undersized Or Recently Moulted Crabs

Catching a crab that appears healthy but contains little to no meat can be both disappointing and wasteful. Crabs that have recently moulted are often empty or contain soft flesh that has not yet fully developed and identifying and returning these crabs to the water allows them time to harden and grow, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable crab population.

There are several indicators that a crab may not be full:

• Shell Condition: Crabs that have recently moulted often have a clean, shiny, or slightly translucent shell. These crabs are typically low in meat content.
• Shell Texture: Crabs that are full of meat generally have rougher, harder shells, sometimes with barnacles, algae, or other marine growth.
• Underside Colouration: A dark-coloured abdominal cross (on the underside of the crab) is a strong indicator of a mature crab with well-developed meat.
• Shell Flexibility: Gently applying pressure to the side of the shell or near the rear legs can also help determine fullness. If the shell flexes easily, the crab is likely not full.

Crabs should always be properly restrained or tied before any manual inspection is carried out to avoid injury.

Returning soft-shelled or underdeveloped crabs to the water is not only best practice for ethical fishing but also ensures they may be recaught later when they are fully formed and suitable for consumption.

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