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Mudcrab Culture Technologies

Posted by EPa in Fisheries

Studies conducted at SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department, some in collaboration with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, have generated mudcrab culture technologies which are now available for adoption by fish farmers. Through these studies major constraints in the management of mudcrab farming were addressed. It is now possible to increase stocking density with improved survival and growth, thus increasing yield.

Fish farmers can now grow mudcrab Scylla serrata (giant crab), Scylla tranquebarica (lawodnon), or Scylla olivaceous (native crab). These species are of commercial value and can be sourced from the natural habitat, or given time, from the hatchery.

Mudcrabs can be reared in ponds or in pens installed in tidal flats with existing mangroves either in monoculture or in polyculture with compatible fish species. The pond should be enclosed with bamboo mattings (banata) or green nylon net, the lower end of which is buried 60 cm from the surface of the pond bottom. The inner top end should be fitted with 30 cm wide thick plastic sheet (gauge #18) to prevent crab stocks from escaping.

Site for a successful mudcrab culture should have a clayey soil and enough layers of clean mud. It should have an optimum water temperature of 23-32°C; salinity, 15-30 ppt; DO, a minimum of 4 ppm; pH, 8-8.5; and a water depth of 80-100 cm or more. On top of these, the site should have sufficient supply of fresh unprocessed feed, available storage facilities for feed, and available source of stocking materials. It should also be free from pollution and secure from poachers.

SEAFDEC AQD has developed a rearing system designed for aqua-mangrove