Induced mating of newly molted females of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796), in captivity

Abstract

Mud crab aquaculture is gaining attention in tropical and sub-tropical regions for its high commercial value. Mating is the fundamental requirement for the natural seed production of mud crabs. The aim of this study was to develop an induced mating technique of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea in captivity to support sustainable mud crab farming through increasing the supply of hatchery-produced mud crab seeds. Induced mating technique involved the mating of a mature induced soft-shelled female (newly molted) with a mature intermolt male. The mating pairs were selected randomly. This study proved that S. olivacea can copulate without pre-copulation (pairing of male-female before copulation) and post-copulatory guarding by the male. Spermatophores were found in the seminal receptacles of all the copulated females. A mating success of 83.33 ± 5.77% was obtained in captivity using this technique, and can be applied in future breeding and hybridization trials of mud crabs.