Description
Crabs only contribute a small percentage to Indonesia's total exports of aquatic products. Due to the growing popularity of the Blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus ), fishery catches of this species have increased since the early 1950s. This increased fishing pressure has led to a decline in the P. pelagicus population in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia. As a result, fishermen hardly catch large crab, and market also juveniles. Juvenile crabs are usually sold at lower prices; therefore, fattening small crab to market size may have a future. Furthermore, fattening to marketable size for an acceptable cost and effort might also reduce the fishing pressure. This study aimed to determine the optimal stocking density of Blue swimming crab for rearing in cages in shallow brackish water ponds. The research was conducted at Tambakbulusan village, Demak, Central Java, Indonesia. In a pond with 0.5 meter water depth we suspended 20 cages of 2.5 x 2 meter, for a Randomized Block Design of 4 stocking densities (2, 3, 4, and 5 individual's m-2) in five replications. Sea weed was added as shelter. The initial average size of these crabs was 5+1.6 cm in carapace length and 20+1.5 g in body weight. The crabs were fed trash-fish twice a day at a total dosage of 5 % of body weight; the quantity was adjusted bi-weekly after measuring and weighing all individuals. The effect of stocking density on the growth was not significantly different (P>0.05) but the survival rate was (P<0.05). Lowest densities (2 individual's m-2) resulted in highest survival rate (50 %). Research is needed on causes and solutions for mortality as survival seems to be the most limiting factor for a feasible grow-out farming of Blue swimming crab.| Period | 8 Apr 2019 → 12 Apr 2019 |
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| Event title | 12th Asian Fisheries & Aquaculture Forum (AFAF): Transforming Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture for Sustainable Production and Nutrition |
| Event type | Conference/symposium |
| Location | Iloilo, PhilippinesShow on map |