Scylla serrata

Scylla serrata -

·      Scylla serrata, commonly known as the Giant Mud Crab, is a species of crab that belongs to the family Portunidae. 

·      *Scylla*: The genus name "Scylla" comes from Greek mythology.

·       Scylla was a sea monster that lived on the Italian coast, and the name was later used to describe a group of crabs that were thought to resemble the monster's fearsome appearance.

·      *serrata*: The species name "serrata" comes from the Latin word "serratus," meaning "saw-toothed" or "toothed like a saw." This refers to the crab's distinctive tooth-like projections on its shell, particularly on the anterolateral margins (front-side edges).

·      So, the full name Scylla serrata can be roughly translated to "saw-toothed sea monster crab"!

·      As for the common name "Giant Mud Crab," it's quite self-explanatory: these crabs are large (often reaching a width of over 20 cm) and are found in muddy or sandy areas, particularly in estuaries and mangrove swamps.