You won't be surprised to learn that the largest edible crab species is the king crab. These enormous crabs can grow to weigh as much as twenty-five pounds and may be ten feet end to end! There are at least eighteen king crab species living in the waters around Alaska, and others live around Japan and Russia.
Tasmanian giant crabs are quite edible and there's a small-scale fishery of these crabs in Tasmanian waters.
Also known as the coconut crab, the robber crab is the world's biggest land crustacean. It can weigh more than 4 kg and measure up to a metre across.
The aptly named Toxic Reef Crab (also referred to as the Devil Crab), Zosimus aeneus, can be so toxic as to kill within a few hours of consumption and has been reported to be used by Pacific Islanders as a means for suicide.
These toxins occur naturally in the shellfish's viscera, which are usually discarded. Those who enjoy cooking and eating crab should simply take precautions not to eat the viscera, located under the crab's back, and avoid using whole crabs in soups and other dishes.
Soft Shell Crabs
Soft Shell crab is a delicacy, and you eat the whole crab (often deep-fried).
Some can live up to 50 years of age. The robber crabs are good eating considered a delicacy with aphrodisiac qualities across the Pacific, but they are a protected species in Australia and can't be eaten.
Tasmanian King Crab ~ lives on rocky and muddy bottoms in the oceans off Tasmania, Southern Australia on the edge of the continental shelf at depths of 150m deep and cold water. The Giant King Crab is the largest of Australian crabs and are fished ethically and sustainably.
Christmas Island's mass red crab migration is one of the most incredible natural processes on Earth. Every year, millions of these large crabs emerge from the forest and make their way to the ocean to breed, swarming across roads, streams, rocks and beaches.
Despite its great numbers, Christmas Island red crabs are not considered edible, at least not edible to humans.
Snow crabs are a delicacy in Japan and are auctioned for high amounts. In Tottori Prefecture, Japan, an auction was held in November 2019 where a male snow crab was sold for a staggering amount of 5 million yen, equivalent to around $46,000.
The #1 Male crab, also known as a “Jimmy”, are typically the most sought after type of crab. They typically range from 5 ½ – 6 ¼ inches.
The King crab is known as the best of the best when it comes to crab meat and it is usually a delicacy and eaten on its own or with a buttery dip.
Zosimus aeneus, also known as the devil crab, toxic reef crab, and devil reef crab is a species of crab that lives on coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to Hawaii.
Blue Swimmer Crab
Also known as the Blue Manna and Sand Crab, blue swimmer crabs are considered to be Australia's most-loved edible crab.
The giant Aussie crabs selling at $300 each - and why you're very unlikely to find one on sale in Australia. An elusive species of giant crabs are being snapped up at $300 each but while they are found just off the Australian coast, they are seldom sighted for local sale.
Spider crabs are significantly larger than king crabs.
Spider crabs are pot caught, which means they're sustainable, and have a low impact on the seabed. Their white meat, particularly the claws, is deliciously flavourful and is perfect for sprucing up sandwiches, stirring into pastas, or as a pretty impressive centrepiece on your dinner table.
They can reach 16 cm across their carapace or shell, and 70 cm across their legs – although most are not this big. These crabs are a native species and can be found in marine water across south eastern Australia, commonly in shallow waters but down to 820m deep.
Female mud crabs have creamy roe in them which itself is a delicacy. These "Jennies" are might be a bit smaller than the males but are loaded with a sweet flavour and roe! With its brilliant colour and decorative claws, it's an excellent addition to any table.
So how many crabs should I order? A good rule of thumb is three to four crabs per person. Order fewer if you're also ordering corn, hush puppies, oysters and other appetizers.
Contrary to popular belief, the "mustard" is not fat, rather it's the crab's hepatopancreas, the organ responsible for filtering impurities from the crab's blood. Although many find its flavor distinct and delicious, it is recommended that you do not eat this since many chemical contaminants concentrate in the organ.
If you have a female crab and you see bright orange stuff inside, that is edible. It's the roe or eggs, also called "coral" in shellfish.