Mud crab are considered as one of the important items for aquaculture. In India, two species of mud crabs, namely, Scylla tranquebarica and S. Serrata are collected from the coastal and adjacent estuaarine areas. Both the species are utilised for both local consumption and seafood export. During recent years 3,500 tonnes of mud crabs were exploited from India. During 1994-95, 1,861 tonnesof frozen/canned crab meat and in 1995-96, 1,635 tonnes of live crabs were exported. Due to their esteemed delicacy, medicinal value and demand for local and export trades from India, many fish farmers have started crab farming operations on a commercial scale. In this context, information on biology, culture practices and seed production of mud crabs are presented to help traditional fish farmers to adopt mud crab culture for increased production. |
