Mud crab culture

Abstract

Mud crabs are one of the most widely sought crustacean species that inhabit the estuarine areas and tidal rivers and creeks of the Asian and Indo-Pacific regions. Hailed as "food for the gods," the mud crab is recognized as a candidate species for culture in brackishwater ponds and/or other suitable impounded brackishwater environments.

In the past, mud crabs were a secondary species to cultured finfishes or crustaceans. Larvae entered ponds with incoming water and became trapped. Although conceived as a fishpond crop, the mud crab has also been considered a nuisance in ponds because it burrows into dikes and causes damage and leaks.

Farming of mud crab has been progressing rapidly due to a promising market and profitability.

With the availability of mud crab juveniles from the wild throughout the year and the recent development in hatchery technology, there is a strong indication that production of mud crabs on a commercial scale could be a lucrative industry.

The information presented here is based on the recently published extension manuals and literature on mud crab culture both in brackishwater ponds and pen enclosures in mangroves.