| Popis: |
Blue swimmer crab is a species complex with various characteristics. This study aims to access the potential of blue swimmer crab to be used as aquaculture animals by selecting the species were most suitable reared in brackish water pond. In this study, twenty wild berried female regardless of species were naturally hatched in the hatchery and their larva reared until crab instar. Then, the crab seeds were reared in brackish water pond for three months. Observation was conducted at harvest on number and size in carapace width for each identified species. Species identification based on the color, pattern of white spots on the carapace, and the number of spines on cheliped merus. Suitability as aquaculture animals is characterized by a high number and large size of crab. The results showed that there were at least three species of blue swimmer crab survival in brackish water pond after three months rearing period. The species were Portunus pelagicus, P. armatus, and P. reticulatus. There were variations in number and sizes of harvest among these species. Number of harvested crab were 66% of P. Pelagicus, medium size group (average carapace width of 97 mm), 31% of P. armatus, largest size group (average carapace width 108 mm) and 3% of P. reticulatus, smallest size group (average carapace width of 90 mm). It is concluded that P. pelagicus and P. armatus were the two species are suitable for aquaculture in brackish water pond. Domestication to reviews these two species is important for its culture development. |
