Abstract: A method and apparatus for the immobilization of live hard shell aquatic crustaceans "hard shell crabs" prior to or during processing. The apparatus includes a nonconductive container containing an electrolyte solution, the quantity of said electrolyte solution being sufficient to submerge a number of live hard shell crabs to be processed; positive and negative electrodes positioned in spaced relationship within the container and being at least substantially covered by the electrolyte solution, each of said electrodes comprising a pair of parallel metal rods projecting vertically from the bottom of the container; and an electric switch means contained in a connector box, said switch means being electrically connected intermediate the electrodes and an electrical power source for allowing an operator to activate the apparatus, whereby the electrical energy supplied to the electrodes is transferred via the electrolyte solution to the submersed crabs for their immobilization.