Experimentation on the river crab (Potamonaute Ebiaensis) aquaculture in Ebonyi State, Nigeria: preliminary assessment

Abstract

An investigation was carried out on river crab (Potamonaute ebiaensis) to determine prospects and potential constraints for possible trial in aquaculture. Two treatments consisting of male and female were established and replicated 5 times. The specimens weighed 37g to 81.5g and 37g to 47g respectively. The width of their carapace ranged from 3.5cm m to 4.5c and 3.5cm to 3.9cmrespectively. Formulated catfish feed with 42% crude protein was fed at 0.5% to 1.2% body weight. Small crabs responded quicker to feeding than the bigger ones. Casualties were recorded, first within 24 hours until 2 weeks after stocking. Relative survival impact of the males (mean 72.4) was higher than those of the females (mean 46.2). There was a poor relationship between weights and survival. The coefficient of the determination (r2) for the female and male were 0.03 and 0.1 respectively. Subsequent investigations might consider other methods of handling specimens, growth performance of the crab species and feed formulation.