Culture of mud crab, Scylla serrata Forskal, 1775 with different feed formulations

Abstract

Mangrove crab culture requires feed in sufficient quantity and quality. Aquaculture uses raw fish feed, but this feed has several limitations, namely limited availability, seasonality and inefficient storage. The use of artificial feed is an alternative for successful culture. This study aims to analyze different feed formulations on the growth and molting of mud crabs. 60 mangrove crabs of 60-90 g size were reared using crab boxes. The crabs were reared in ponds for 60 days. Four feed formulations were tried as treatments and repeated three times. Parameters measured were growth, molting, survival and water quality. Data were analyzed at the 95% confidence level. The results showed that the feed formulations tested had no effect on the test parameters. Feed formulations with lower protein levels of 31.29-35.97% and extreme fluctuations in water salinity are thought to be the cause of low growth and molting of mud crabs.