Crab/ Mud crab (Scylla serrata) culture technique Or Mud Crab Scylla serrata fattening in Pond Part 1

Crab/ Mud crab (Scylla serrata) culture technique Or Mud Crab Scylla serrata fattening in Pond : Part 01

 Introduction

Mud crab Scylla serrata (locally called “Jati or Haba Kakra”) is broadly distributed in the Bangladesh and one of the most renowned culture species, which has great economic value. We can culture it in earthen pond. Scylla serrata fattening in earthen pond basically attempted in the coastal area of Bangladesh. 

Earthen pond preparation:

Tidal water pond is highly suitable for mud crab fattening. Before construction of dike and switch gate first existing water should be drain out from the pond and remain for sun burn at least 1.5 weeks. 70-80 decimal / shotansho pond is highly suitable for mud crab culture. Total pond area was equally divided into four small ponds. All the ponds were fenced by bamboo slits at about 6² deep in the soil to prevent crab from escaping and burrowing (Fig. 1). CaCO₃ was applied at a rate of 100 kg/ha to increase the pH value.

Stocking in earthen pond:

Three ponds were selected for mud crab fattening (soft shell male and female). Male (160 – 180g) and female (140 – 160g) crabs (1:1) were stocked (2 indiv./m²) at pond no.1; only female crabs (140 – 160g) were stocked (3 indiv./m²) at pond no.2; and only male crabs (160 – 180g) were stocked (2 indiv./m²) at pond 3.

Feeds and Feeding:

Generally, fresh eel (Anguilla spp.) fish was used as food for mud crab sometimes chopped tilapia fish also given. The feed was supplied twice a day at 5% of body weight up to harvesting.

PART 2