mangrove crab an English name applied in both a general sense, to more or less any crabs inhabiting mangrove swamps, and, more specifically, to Scylla serrata (described under swimming crabs) and Episesarma palawanense or E. versicolor (also known as vinegar crabs because they are often sold pickled in vinegar). The latter is a smallish crab, with a blackish-purple carapace measuring no more than about 6 cm (2.5") across, and with hairy legs, whose most notable ability is that of climbing trees. The second word in the Thai name pu samae refers to a kind of tree found in mangrove swamps. Fishermen catch the crabs, usually at night, by picking them off the trees with gloved hands, then covering them with salt and keeping them for consumption the following day.
