Studies on some aspects of reproduction of mud crab, scylla serrata (forskal)

Abstract

Some aspects on reproduction of mud crab, Scylla serrala, in captive conditions were studied. By ablation of bilateral eyestalks of the female, 14 batches of eggs were spawned after 5 days of culture in fiberglass tanks. Spawning occurred at any time of day, month and year. Majority of crabs spawned without undergoing molting and mating under culture condition. Crab spawners were mainly in size of 201-300 g. Average fecundity was 1479992.12 ± 17.03 eggs / crab. However, many eggs could not adhere to the pleopods of the female but fell on the bottom of the tanks. Regression between body weight of female and fecundity was significant (p<0.05). In addition, the second spawning of the crabs under captivity was also observed.