The Effects of temperature, feeds and feeding frequency on larval survivability and crablet production of mud crab (Scylla Olivacea)

Abstract

Limited known about the impact of temperature and feed on the survivability of different larval development stages at crab hatchery. This study was conducted to investigate the hatchery room temperatures and different feeds and feeding frequency impact on berried crab production, hatching rate, larval survival and crablet production. An experiment in the hatchery tank was set up in April’24 (30-43°C), May’24 (27-42°C), and June’24 (32-39°C). Another individual experiment was conducted with three Treatments: T1 (artemia; four times daily), T2 (artemia + formulated feed; six times daily), and T3 (artemia; six times daily), each in triplicate, and was cultured for 26 to 32 days. Results of the temperature indicated that the highest berried crab production rate (20.83 ± 2.89%), hatching success rate (64.55 ± 8.14%), and crablet production rate (2.52 ± 0.13%) were observed in June (32-39°C) compared to the room temperature of April (30-43°C) and May (27-42°C). The T2 treatment resulted in the significantly highest Larval Stage Index (LSI) and survival rates across all larval stages, leading to the highest crablet production rate (2.90 ± 2.03%). The study suggests that maintaining a room temperature of 32–39°C and feeding six times daily with a combination of Artemia and formulated feed may improve zoeal survival and crablet production in mud crab hatcheries.

J. Bangladesh Acad. Sci. 50(3); 507–521: September 2026