Effects of different temperatures on the growth and survival of mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) larvae

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of temperature on the growth and survival of mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) larvae in two stages including zoea-1 to megalopa (the first experiment) and megalopa to crablet-1 (the second experiment). Each experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four temperature levels (27, 30, 33, and 36℃) in triplicate. Stocking density of 200 ind./L for the first experiment and 4 ind./L for the second experiment. Fiberglass tanks of 500-L (containing 300-L and 250-L of 25‰ water for the first and second experiment, respectively) were used in the experiments. The results showed that S. paramamosain larvae at zoea-3 and zoea-4 died at 33℃ or above, while the highest survival rate of this stage was found at 27℃ (11.5%). The growth and larval stage index during the zoea to megalopa stage were significantly higher in 30℃ (p<0.05) compared to those in the 27℃ treatment. In the second experiment, the survival rates of crablet-1 were highest (72.9%) at 27℃ and lowest (34,7%) at 36℃. The growth rate of crablets at this stage increased with increased temperature. The highest carapace width and weight (3.41 mm and 0.030 g, respectively) were recorded at 36℃. The findings of this study suggested that mud crab larvae should be reared at the temperature range of 27-30℃ to maximize their production.