Metabolomic analysis of marine and mud crabs based on antibacterial activity

•Extracts are taken from marine and freshwater whole crabs to study and analyize their metabolite functions.•Crab metabolites were found to possess antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that have potential in the pharmaceutical industries.•Antimicrobial compounds that are found in crab haemolymph and whole body crabs provide an opportunity for the production of antibiotic alternative.•This study proposes the use of whole crab extracts in diets to increase resistance.