Two small mud crabs sedated by ice slurry

Using an ice slurry for 30-60 seconds is the quickest and easiest way to sedate regular sized crustaceans like these tropical mud crabs (Scylla serrata) prior to handling them for research or cooking. Chilled water is also chemical free which is important as chemical sedatives all end up down the sink and then into the aquatic environment where they can harm non target aquatic animals.