Blue Swimming Crab Portunus Pelagicus Research Articles

Food composition and trophic niches of blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus, 1758) in Madura Strait, Pamekasan, East Java

Abstract Blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) is the main fishery commodity in the Madura Strait, Pamekasan Regency. The sustainability of the crab depends on the suitability of the habitat and the availability of food in the waters. This study aims to analyze the food composition and trophic niches of blue swimming crab in the Madura Strait, Pamekasan Regency. Sampling was conducted using the simple random sampling technique. The analysis included composition of the collection based on length frequency distribution, gastric fullness index, trophic niche area, food niche overlap, crab food composition, and growth (carapace width-weight relationship, and condition factor). The results of the index study showed that the index of stomach content of the female was generally greater than that of the male. Blue swimming crab is classified as a carnivore with the main food being fish. The overlap of the niches of male and female crabs of 0.9328 indicates a high level of competition for food. The male crab has a negative allometric growth pattern, while the female crab has a positive allometric growth pattern. The condition of the crab factor in each month of observation is greater than 0.5 indicating the availability of food and water conditions suitable for crab life.

Analysis of blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) stock in Banten Bay waters based on spawning potential ratio methods

Abstract Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) (Portunus pelagicus) is the main commodity in Banten Bay with fishing activity throughout the year. The increasing fishing pressure has led to a decrease in the average size of the BSC carapace width. This situation is indicative of overfishing of BSC and it can have negative effects on the stock of BSC. This study aimed to determine the stock and condition status of BSC based on the results of research conducted from December 2021 to February 2022 in the waters around Banten Bay. Data were collected using direct observation and simple random sampling from fishers at each landing site with a total sample of 7244 consisting of 4448 males and 2796 females. Data analysis using the Fisat II and web-based application http://barefootecologist.com.au/. The results showed that the stock status of BSC in Banten Bay resulted in an SPR value of 21% or below the sustainability target. The catch of BSC males was more than females with a ratio of 1.59:1. The length at first capture (Lc) females was 117.3 mm and the length at first mature/adult (Lm) was 103 mm. The length at first capture size was greater than the length at first mature which showed catch-worthy.

Catch composition and fishing season of blue swimming crab using a collapsible trap in Pemalang coastal water, Central Java

Abstract The blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) is an economically important fishery resources that has penetrated the export market that requires proper management. Pemalang Regency is still entirely dependent on natural catches, so information on seasonal patterns of blue swimming crab fishing is essential for fishermen to support the efficiency and effectiveness of the fishing activity. This research was conducted in Danasari village, Pemalang sub-district, in January–December 2022 with the aim of determining the composition of collapsible trap catches based on the crab fishing season in the waters of Pemalang Regency. Danasari fishermen classify the blue swimming crab fishing season into two, the west season starts in November–May (high rainfall), and the east season starts in June–October (low rainfall). The survey method was performed by collecting data of blue swimming crab catch as the main target and bycatch. Carapace width of the blue swimming crab was also measured. The data obtained was analyzed descriptively using Microsoft Excel 2010 software. The results showed that the catch composition of collapsible traps in Pemalang consisted of crustaceans, fish, and mollusks. The best season to catch blue swimming crabs was during the west season because the catch is more stable than during the east season.

Impact of steaming and peeling on the weight loss in blue swimming crabs in Pangkajene Islands, South Sulawesi

Abstract The blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) is an important fishery resource in Indonesia because it has a high value and involves a lot of human resources. The pasteurized crab goes through several main stages, namely steaming, stripping, and canning. Steamed crabs will experience weight loss and produce a yield of meat in a certain amount and composition after peeling. This study aims to determine the weight loss during crab steaming and stripping processes on different sizes of crabs. The crabs were classified into three categories, namely small crab (carapace width <10 cm), big crab (carapace width >10 cm), and egg-berried female crabs. Technically, crabs were steamed for 20 minutes after the water boils with temperature of steaming of 80–90 °C. Steaming process wereallowed to stand for 60 minutes, followed by. peeling process where crab meat were separated from the skin. Weight measurements were taken on fresh, warm (shortly after steaming), and cooked crab (adjusted to room temperature) to calculate weight loss due to steaming while considering temperature adjustments and total loss. Results revealed the weight decrease about 16.75% during steaming, 19.61% during relaxation, and 27.47% during overall process. The highest meat yield was obtained from small crab by 30.64%, followed by large crab by 27.25%, and egg berried female by 24.39%.

Distance of fishing ground against blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) catches using a gillnet in Gresik, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract Information on fishing grounds is crucial in efforts to manage blue swimming crab capture fisheries. The further away the fishing location, the higher cost risk. The purpose of this study is to determine differences in catches and biological characteristics of crabs caught by the crab fishermen using gillnets on 0–2 miles and 5-7 miles from November 2022 to January 2023 in the waters of Mengare Island, Bungah District, Gresik Regency, East Java Province. Descriptive analysis and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were used to explain the biological characteristics of the blue swimming crabs and differences in the effect of fishing ground distance on crab catches. The results showed that the total yield of 2478 female crabs and 4360 male crabs with details at a distance of 0–2 miles was 1701 males and 925 females, while at a distance of 5-7 miles, there were 2659 males and 1553 females. Most crabs with mature level were found at 0–2 miles and 5-7 miles. The distance to the fishing ground affects the average width, average weight, and number of male crabs. Distance and fishing ground differences can affect the diversity of crab biological characteristics.

The exploitation status and spawning potential ratio of blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) in North Natuna Sea, Indonesia

Abstract Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) has been exploited in various areas, including the North Natuna Sea, because of its high selling value and potential as an export commodity. Overexploitation can threaten its sustainability. Therefore, information is needed regarding population status and spawning potential, particularly in the North Natuna Sea. This research was performed over three years, from April to December 2018, February to November 2019, and March to December 2020. A total of 4960 individuals of BSC samples ranged in size from 60 to 160 mm, with 115 mm being the most dominant. BSC exploitation in this water has reached E = 0.6, indicating that it has been overfished. The SPR value obtained was 19 percent. Even though there is high fishing pressure, the spawning potential of crabs is relatively high. Appropriate management policies are needed to maintain their spawning potential, including limiting the catchable size to a minimum of 60 grams and a policy of closing spawning locations.

The effectiveness of crab apartment to shelter egg berried female of blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) in Rembang, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract Blue swimming crab is an Indonesian fishery commodity with high economic value for export to America, Asia, and Europe. The increase in crab fishing activities every year results in diminishing stocks in nature, in addition to predator attacks around spawning areas. The purpose of this study was to determine the growth of blue swimming crabs and identify types of fish in the crab apartment shelters in Rembang Regency, Central Java Province, from March to May 2023. The egg berried female crabs were put in a floating apartment for three months and monitored every 2 weeks to determine the growth of the hatched crab eggs. Our observations showed as many as 50 egg berried female crab with with an average size of 8–10 cm and a weight of 40–65 g. There were other marine organisms found in the shelter, including rabbit fish, shrimp, small crabs, and therapon-perch. Rabbit fish and therapon-perch often result in reduced juveniles. Therefore, add and installing shelter is highly recommended to the entry of these fish. This study found crab apartment brings positive impacts on the survival of hacthing crabs and protected them from the threat of predatory fish.

The role of women in the blue swimming crab fisheries supply chain from gender perspective in Pamekasan

Abstract The blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) fishery industry bring positive impact onwomen in coastal areas by providing livelihood opportunities through active involvement in various gender roles, both in preparation and post-capture processes as well as in the production chain. This study aimed to analyze the roles of women in the crab fishing supply chain. This study was conducted in June 2023 at Pagagan Village, Pademawu District, Pamekasan Regency. The research employed interview methods, field observation, and secondary data sources, including articles and journals. Six respondents participated in the study, representing fishermen’s wives, mini-plant owners, crab pickers, and crab suppliers. Results showed that fishermen’s wives play a significant role in marketing and selling the crab catch, as well as assisting their husbands in making and repairing fishing gear. In the case of crab suppliers, women or housewife contributed in weighing and boiling the crabs. At the mini-plant level, women play the main role as pickers in sorting and stripping process, while the mini-plant owner supervises the overall process. The study highlighted the substantial contribution of women in coastal areas to the local community, demonstrating a strong reliance on marine resources, which fluctuate with the seasons. Additionally, the income earned by coastal women significantly contributes to their families finances, thereby enhancing their household’s economic condition.

Export demand patterns for blue swimming crab from Indonesia to United States : impact of fishing seasons in FMA 712 (2018 to 2022)

Abstract Blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) is a significant fishery export commodity from Indonesia, especially the fisheries management area (FMA) 712. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between export demand and fishing season in FMA 712 during the last five years (2018–2022) based on export volume, prices, and fishing season information. Fishing season in Indonesia was classified as the west season with high rainfall (November to May) and the east season with low rainfall (June to October). The data were analyzed by correlation and trend analysis. The results showed that the export demand for blue swimming crab fluctuated with the fishing season. Demand for blue swimming crab tends to increase in the west season due to abundant supply from a favorable fishing season, leading to decreased prices due to international market competition. Conversely, demand for blue swimming crabs declines in the east season due to reduced supply from an unfavorable fishing season, resulting in increased prices due to limited availability. To address fluctuations, market diversification, product quality improvement, and sustainable fishery resource management are essential to balance profitable exports and marine preservation. Other variables that may influence export demand, such as global economic and political factors, were not included in this analysis.

Nursery Habitat Requirements for the Blue Swimming Crab: Implications for Larval Development

Overfishing causes a significant decline in blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) populations, an essential marine resource for Thailand. This research aimed to identify suitable nursery areas for this species throughout the four distinct monsoon seasons. This is the first comprehensive study of habitat characteristics: water temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, marine sediment, seagrass beds, and suitability assessment of nursery areas, using a combined approach of Analytic Hierarchy Process and Geographic Information Systems. Our findings reveal that highly suitable nursery habitats comprise a small percentage of the total study area, varying with the monsoon season: 1.66% in the Northeast Monsoon (NEMS), 1.00% in the NEMS transition (NEMST), 1.11% in the Southwest Monsoon (SWMS), and 1.97% in the SWMS transition (SWMST). These areas are concentrated along the coastlines of Sed Island, Phum Riang, Takrob, Tha Thong, and Donsak. Sed Island was designated as a fishery refuge zone in 2022. The identified nursery areas coincide with existing crab banks, highlighting the model's accuracy. Conversely, unsuitable areas were predominantly in shellfish farming zones and low-salinity estuaries. By identifying suitable nursery grounds for the blue swimming crab, this study offers valuable information that can support Thailand's sustainable management and conservation efforts for this species. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2024-05-03-01 Full Text: PDF

The impact of using predigested feed on growth and molting frequency in blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) enlargement

Abstract Blue swimming crab is one of the leading fishery export commodities which occupies the 3rd largest position after tuna and shrimp. Crab maintenance so far uses rasbora fish feed which has several drawbacks, including inappropriate nutrition, depending on the season, and is difficult to handle. Therefore, simple artificial feed is needed to support crab growth. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of artificial feeding supplemented with pancreatic extract on crab growth. The research design used in this study was completely randomized design (CRD) with different concentrations of pancreatic extract (0%, 3%, 6%, 9%). Parameters observed included water quality (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, and ammonia), feed proximate, crab biology. The results of this study indicate that the water quality in this study supports the life of blue swimming crabs. The feed proximate results show that the proximate value is in accordance with the crab’s needs. The results of swimming crab biology showed that the highest growth of crab was owned by the artificial feed + 9% pancreas and the lowest was in the trash fish treatment. Based on the results it can be seen that the best treatment to support the life of the blue swimming crab is artificial feed + 9% pancreas. Predigestion feed with the help of pancreatic extract concentrations can increase crab growth compared to ordinary feed or rasbora fish feed.

Oxidative response to cadmium and lead accumulations in the tissues of blue swimming crabs Portunus pelagicus from the Trang Province coastline, Southern Thailand.

Metals have been reported to alter the oxidative status of both redox-active and redox-inactive metals accompanying oxidative stress induction. In aquatic ecosystems, metal contamination is regarded as serious pollutants and bioaccumulation, especially when aquatic seafood products are involved, which results in human risk. The blue swimming crab Portunus pelagicus is a highly popular crab species for consumption as seafood in Thailand. The meat parts and the hepatopancreas (HP) together with gonad are consumed and in high demand. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) along with tissue oxidative responses in P. pelagicus. Sixty-seven samples of P. pelagicus were obtained from small-scale fishers along the coastline of Trang Province. Bioaccumulation of Cd and Pb and oxidative response in gill, muscle, and HP + gonad were evaluated. Cadmium and Pb accumulation levels were highest in the HP and gonad, followed by the gill and then muscle, indicating that Cd and Pb have a high affinity to be concentrated in the HP and gonad. An organ-specific oxidative response to Cd and Pb accumulation was demonstrated in which Cd significantly activated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the gills and muscle tissue, while Pb significantly activated the SOD activity only in the HP and gonad. Only Cd accumulation in gill tissue represented a significant activation of lipid peroxidation, as indicated by the malondialdehyde level. This study implied that P. pelagicus exhibits an "adaptive stage" in the oxidative response of tissue due to metal accumulation. Additionally, the data presented here further indicate that the consumption of only the meat parts and removal of the HP and gonad would reduce human exposure to metal toxicity.

The analysis of natural forage of blue smimming crab (Portunus pelagicus Linnaeus, 1758) on the east coast of Pangandaran, West Java

Continuous use of blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) without any control can cause population decline which leads to damage to the stability of the marine ecosystem, especially in East Coast Pangandaran, therefore cultivation is needed. In aquaculture, it is necessary to provide the right feed by knowing its natural diet. This study aimed to determine the natural diet of blue swimming crabs. The method used was descriptive analysis. The parameters observed were carapace width, gastric weight, the composition of natural diet. The relationship between the carapace width and gastric weight was analyzed by simple regression while the main type of natural diet was known by calculating the percentage of food composition. The relationship between carapace width and gastric weight was positive. Based on the composition found in crab gastric, there were 5 types of natural foods consisting of crustaceans (28.35%), meat (25.37%), mollusk (18.65%), fish (15.67%), and undefined material (UM) (4.47%). It is revealed that crabs are carnivores and scavengers, pose significant relationship between their size and gut content weight. It was also found that the composition of female crab feed was generally higher than that of males.

Turning Portunus pelagicus Shells into Biocompatible Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration.

Bone tissue engineering (BTE) provides an alternative for addressing bone defects by integrating cells, a scaffold, and bioactive growth factors to stimulate tissue regeneration and repair, resulting in effective bioengineered tissue. This study focuses on repurposing chitosan from blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) shell waste as a composite scaffold combined with HAP and COL I to improve biocompatibility, porosity, swelling, and mechanical properties. The composite scaffold demonstrated nearly 60% porosity with diameters ranging from 100-200 μm with an interconnected network that structurally mimics the extracellular matrix. The swelling ratio of the scaffold was measured at 208.43 ± 14.05%, 248.93 ± 4.32%, 280.01 ± 1.26%, 305.44 ± 20.71%, and 310.03 ± 17.94% at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h, respectively. Thus, the Portunus pelagicus scaffold showed significantly lower degradation ratios of 5.64 ± 1.89%, 14.34 ± 8.59%, 19.57 ± 14.23%, and 29.13 ± 9.87% for 1 to 4 weeks, respectively. The scaffold supports osteoblast attachment and proliferation for 7 days. Waste from Portunus pelagicus shells has emerged as a prospective source of chitosan with potential application in tissue engineering.

Size distribution and growth parameters of blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus, Linnaeus 1758) in Awur Bay, Jepara

Blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) is a fishery commodity that has important economic value. One of the catch landings in Teluk Awur, Jepara is blue swimming crab. Intensive crab catching carried out with small sizes has an effect on decreasing crab stocks in the waters. This study aims to determine the size distribution, the relationship between carapace width and weight, growth parameters and recruitment patterns. The research was conducted in May, June, July and August 2022 in the waters of Teluk Awur, Jepara. Sampling using systematic sampling method. The data collected is carapace width (mm) and crab weight (grams). Data analysis was performed using FiSAT II software. The results of the analysis of the relationship between carapace width and weight showed that the growth of the male crab was positive allometric and the growth of the female crab was isometric, with the equation of the male crab W = 0.0000214cW3.251 and the female crab W = 0.0000232cW3.220. The growth parameters obtained by the equation of the male and female crabs were cWt = 158,55(1- e(-1,2(t+0,083))], and cWt = 158.55(1 – e(-0.67(t+0.152) ))). The peak of male crab recruitment was in October at 22,71%, while the female crab was in May at 13,52%, indicating that in that month new crab individuals were added. Based on these results, the stock of crab resources in Jepara's Awur Bay must always be considered and always support the recruitment process of crab. Beside that, the goverment can enforce management of crab fishing.Keywords: Allometric; Carapace Width; Crab; Recruitment

Multidisciplinary Assessment of the Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) in the Bone Bay, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Using Rapid Appraisal of Fisheries

Multidisciplinary Assessment of the Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) in the Bone Bay, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Using Rapid Appraisal of Fisheries

Length-based stock assessment of the blue swimming crab Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) in the northern coast of Java, Indonesia

Length-based stock assessment of the blue swimming crab Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) in the northern coast of Java, Indonesia

Determining the fat content and its changes in males and females of the Blue Swimmer Crab Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) from Syria

Determining the fat content and its changes in males and females of the Blue Swimmer Crab Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) from Syria

Morphometric relationships of blue swimming crab (<em>Portunus pelagicus</em>, Linnaeus, 1758) caught in Negombo coastal waters in Sri Lanka.

Length-weight relationships provide information about the blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) population for successful stock management. Morphometric measurements of Two hundred fifty (250) crab samples were obtained from April to November 2019, of which 128 were males, and 122 were females, showing a sex ratio of 1:1. Chi-square test indicated that the sex ratio was not significantly different from the expected value of 1:1 at 5% level of significance (χ2cal = 0.144, χ2tab = 3.84). Carapace width (CW) was measured at the nearest 0.001 cm using a vernier calliper, and total body weight (W) was measured at the nearest gram (g) using a digital scale. The carapace width of males ranged from 7.28 - 15.7 cm, whereas it varied from 3.06 - 15.8 cm in females. The body weight of male crabs varied from 22.45 - 334.6 g, and females had a range from 23.0 - 275.35 g. Length-weight relationships for male and female crabs were W=0.0495CW3.0469 (R2=0.8526) and W=0.063CW2.9428 (R2=0.8179) respectively. Student’s t-test showed that the growth of male crabs was positive allometric (t = 5.64, p<0.05) and negative allometric (t = -8.21, p<0.05) for females. The mean condition factors for males and females were 5.68±0.12 and 5.65±0.12, respectively, indicating no significant difference between males and females (p=0.882) by two-sample t-tests. Providing baseline data, the present study recommends further studies for successful utilization, development and management of this crab species as it has been recognized as a commercially valuable species with a high market demand.

Growth, Development and Survival Rate of The Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) Cultured using Different Larvae Feeds

Blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) is one of the most important commodities of softshell industry. Besides mud crab its demand as feed is increasing day by day. As a coastal dominant country, Bangladesh has a great feasibility of this species in culture, production, use and export. However, the production contribution from Bangladesh is still from natural sources and far behind in terms of farming, culture and production. Optimization of larval rearing techniques is therefore important to develop intensive hatchery rearing technique for this species. So, this study is aimed to develop larvae production technique of Portunus pelagicus with a better survival rate. Newly hatched first zoeal of Portunus pelagicus were reared using three different diets till second zoeal stage: (Treatment 1= Artemia franciscana umbrella + Rotifer (Brachionus rotundiformis); Treatment 2= Rotifer (B. rotundiformis) and Treatment 3= Artemia franciscana umbrella). Then, Artemia franciscana nauplii were used for all three treatments till they metamorphosed to crab instar. Regularly, water quality parameters were monitored and maintained and the survival and molting to next stages was observed. The result showed that, all the hatched zoea of P. pelagicus could successfully turns into crab instar stage under all the treatment applied, but the highest survival rate 6.08% was found in case of treatment 2 followed by 0.58%, 0.91%, respectively in treatment 1 and 3. In terms of metamorphosis, it took more than 15 and 14 days respectively from zoea 1 to metamorphose into megalopa for treatments 1 and 3, whereas metamorphosis from zoea 1 to megalopa in treatment 2 finished at the 12th day with a higher Larval Stage Index (LSI) value which was 4.9. Finally, at the 15th day larvae were metamorphosed into crablet for treatment 2 and 18 and 16 days required for metamorphosis into crablets for treatment 1 and 3, respectively. However, the larval feed showed a significant effect on growth and survival of P. pelagicus larvae, whereas the earlier larval stage of P. pelagicus rearing with Rotifer (B. rotundiformis) is found as the most suitable diet.