Commercial farming of Mud Crab in coastal ponds at Tuticorin

Mud crab farming is fast developing in shrimp ponds as diversified and alternative system of culture by the entrepreneurs. The resource potentials of seed and feed are highlighted. Fourteen ponds were converted for production of mud crab. Monoculture, polyculture and fattening methods are described. Production results of these trials vary from 1020-2440 kghalcmp, revealing the scope to improve high yield. Fattening of water crabs in a period of 7-8 weeks fetched an attractive revenue. Technology for production of gravid female which fetch a premium price in export trade was evolved. A high profit was realised in polyculture trials with milkfish as compatible species. Feed consists of low cost trash fish and gutted waqtes of squid, rays and chick. The hydrological and environmental conditions were conducive and its requirements are discussed. The growth, survival and production results vary according to the size and number of seed stocked