Seed production of mud crab Scylla spp.

Abstract

Mud crab farming is an important source of income for fish farmers in the Philippines. The expanding export market for mud crab as an alternative for shrimp has led to intensified collection of wild seed for grow-out and has threatened the wild stocks. To ensure the sustainability of crab farming and reduce the fishing pressure on wild stocks, the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department developed a technology for large-scale production of juvenile mud crabs, Scylla serrata (giant mud crab), S. olivacea (orange mud crab) and S. tranquebarica (purple mud crab).