Moult induction methods in soft‐shell crab production

Abstract

Soft-shell crabs are gaining attention internationally as a more lucrative option of selling commercially important portunid species due to their ease of consumption, high nutritional values, and unique and excellent taste. This product, however, is only attainable in captivity as crabs are harvested right after moulting when their exoskeletons are still soft. Among the most crucial factor in soft-shell crab production is the moult induction method. Shorter moult intervals imply more soft-shell crabs could be produced, increasing productivity and profit for farmers. This review describes the moulting event, soft-shell crab production process and production systems, and highlights the currently available and potential moult induction methods, including eyestalk ablation, limb autotomy, the use of ecdysteroid, phytoecdysteroid, biogenic amines and methyl farnesoate, the inhibition of moult-inhibiting hormone (MIH) and the regulation of physical parameters. This review further compares these moult induction methods and their benefits towards soft-shell crab production.