Observing the Impact of Confinement on the Rearing of Land Crabs

Abstract

The study observed the impact of confinement on the rearing of land crabs in an attempt to produce crabs that can be consumed without having to worry about their unwholesomeness, traceability and also the possibility of producing crabs all year round.Two species of the land crabs were observed for five months: 35 Rainbow land crabs, obtained from Ada, a suburb of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana and 20 Blue land crabs obtained from Sokode, a suburb of the Volta Region of Ghana. the study investigated the 55 land crabs by observing their coexistence, feeding and reproduction in confinement. Dealers in land crabs and other resource persons who had some experience with land crabs where interviewed. At the beginning of the study, the average weight of a male rainbow land crab was 3.3 pounds and that of a female was 3.0 pounds. However, at the end of the study the average weight recorded for the male Rainbow land crab was 5.7poundsand that of the female was 5.4pounds. The number of rainbow land crabs that died during the cause of the study was 7 and 12 escaped resulting in 16 of them remaining by the end of the study. Six of the crabs lost their appendages, one female moulted, 4 female crabs produced eggs and spawned. The only female Blue land crab that survived produced eggs in confinement but later died after three weeks from the commencement of the study. Results of the study showed that the Rainbow land crabs are hardier as compared to the Blue land crabs and thus, the best specie that can be reared in confinement. The Rainbow land crabs can be reared in confinement for a minimum period of five months if the confined area is darkened and hideout accessories provided. The crabs can be fed on a range of diets, from fish, vegetables to leftovers from the kitchen. However, the crabs seem to prefer sugar cane, palm fronds and fruits. The female Rainbow land crabs are capable of spawning in confinement when provided with the right conditions and environment.