Blue Swimmer Crab (Nila kekra)

Fresh Blue Swimmer Crab (Nila Kekra) – Sweet, Meaty & Perfect for Desi Curries

Blue Swimmer Crab, locally known as Nila Kekra, is a popular saltwater crab prized for its sweet meat, juicy texture, and rich curry flavor. It is widely used in Pakistani kitchens for traditional crab curries and spicy masala dishes, where its natural sweetness balances bold spices.

The meat is firm yet tender, releasing deep flavor into gravies when cooked slowly. Nila Kekra absorbs spices exceptionally well, making it ideal for onion-tomato curries, coastal-style gravies, and thick desi masalas. With good meat content and aromatic results, it’s a favorite for family meals, weekend cooking, and special occasions.

At Anbar Fish, Blue Swimmer Crab (Nila Kekra) is carefully cleaned, hygienically handled, and delivered via nationwide cold-chain logistics, ensuring freshness and consistent quality across Pakistan.

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Three-Spot Crab (Tikkari)
Mud Crab
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Flavor Profile

The blue swimmer crab has a rich, sweet, succulent, and buttery flavor. The body meat is delicately flavored, while claw meat is nutty. Fresh blue-crab meat should have a mild aroma; pasteurized should have a slight, “heated” aroma

Nomenclature

• English Name: Blue crab, Blue Swimmer Crab, Flower Crab
• Local Name: Kekra, Nila Kekra, Blue Kekra, Soda, Kukri, Gogotanga
• Scientific Name: Portunus segnis

Habitat

Blue Swimmer Crabs are normally found under the rocks, over the reefs, and sometimes on sandy bottoms.

Catching Method

Blue swimmer crabs are caught using gillnets, and bottom trawls.

Physical Attributes

The blue crab’s shell—called the “carapace”—is a blue to olive green. Shells can reach up to 9 inches across. Blue crab claws are bright blue, and mature females have red tips on their claws too. They have three pairs of walking legs and rear swimming legs that look like paddles.

Appearance

Male blue swimmer crabs are with dark blue-green carapace and discrete white spots on the carapace, sometimes merging into thin reticulated bands. Females are similar in pattern to males except that tips of chelipeds are red-tinged with a brownish-red instead of blue tinged with deep rust red.

Size

On average, Blue Swimmer Crabs are 100 to 200 grams in weight, However other sizes are also occasionally available.

Peeling Preferences

Blue Swimmer Crabs are preferred to be used as Whole

Approx. Peeling Yields

• Whole: 100 %
• Claws and legs removed: 70 %
• Shell Removed: 35 %
• Meat only: 15 %

Why Blue Swimmer Crab (Nila Kekra) is Popular

• Naturally sweet, flavorful crab meat
• Excellent performance in spicy curries
• Good meat yield for home cooking
• Absorbs masala deeply
• Loved in traditional and coastal recipes

Health Benefits of Blue Swimmer Crab

• High in lean protein
• Naturally low in fat
• Rich in essential minerals
• Supports muscle health and energy
• Nutritious and satisfying seafood option

(Fresh seafood with no artificial additives or preservatives)

Best Ways to Cook Blue Swimmer Crab (Nila Kekra)

Desi Crab Curry – Onion, tomato, ginger, garlic
Spicy Masala Crab – Bold chili and garam masala
Coastal-Style Curry – Light gravy, aromatic spices
Dry Crab Masala – Reduced gravy, intense flavor
Butter Garlic Crab (Fusion) – Mild spices, rich taste

Chef Tip: Lightly crack the claws before cooking. This helps the gravy penetrate the shell and enhances flavor absorption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)