Blue Swimmer Crab (Nila kekra)

Blue Swimmer Crab (Nila Kekra) — Sweet, Juicy & Perfect for Crab Masala, Curry and Butter Garlic | Fresh Delivery in Karachi

Blue Swimmer Crab, locally known as Nila Kekra, is one of the most loved crabs in Karachi thanks to its naturally sweet meat, juicy texture, and rich seafood flavor. It’s lighter than mud crab but still delivers excellent taste and tenderness, making it a popular choice for both desi and continental crab dishes.

Nila Kekra has soft yet flavorful meat that absorbs spices beautifully. It’s especially popular for crab masala, spicy curry, butter garlic crab, and stir-fried recipes. Because the shell is thinner than mud crab, it cooks faster and is easier to crack, making it ideal for home cooking and family meals.

At Anbar Fish Karachi, Blue Swimmer Crabs are freshly sourced from the Arabian Sea, hygienically cleaned, and delivered chilled across Karachi, so you enjoy clean, market-fresh crab without the hassle.

Similar Seafood You May Like

If you enjoy Blue Swimmer Crab (Nila Kekra), you may also like:

• Mud Crab – Bigger, meatier crab
• Three-Spot Crab (Tikkari) – Similar sweet flavor
• Slipper Lobster (Jungli Kikat) – Premium shellfish

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 in Karachi

• Naturally sweet and juicy crab meat
• Lighter texture than mud crab
• Cooks faster and is easier to handle
• Perfect for spicy and buttery recipes
• Great balance of flavor and tenderness
• Fresh, hygienically prepared in Karachi

Health Benefits of Nila Kekra

• High in lean protein
• Naturally low in fat
• Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
• Good source of zinc, selenium & vitamin B12
• Supports heart health and immunity

Best Ways to Cook Blue Swimmer Crab

Crab Masala (Nila Kekra Masala) – Karachi-style favorite
Spicy Crab Curry – Rich gravy, juicy meat
Butter Garlic Crab – Sweet and aromatic
Stir-Fried Crab – Quick and flavorful
Light Steamed Crab – Clean, natural taste

Cooking Tip: Don’t overcook. Medium heat keeps the meat juicy and prevents dryness.

Blue Swimmer Crab – FAQ