Effect of season, culture system, and stocking density on growth performance and limb loss in blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) from instar to early juvenile stage

Abstract

The study investigated the growth, survival rates, and limb loss occurrence of blue swimming crabs (BSC), Portunus pelagicus from crab instar to the early juvenile stage at different culture systems (outdoor tanks, net cages in ponds, and net cages in pens), and varying stocking densities (30, 50, and 100 individuals/m2). These variables were assessed during the wet and dry seasons for 21 days following a 2 × 3 × 3 factorial design. Survival showed a significant interaction between culture systems and seasons (p p > 0.05). Results showed that pond and pen systems, particularly at moderate densities (30–50 individuals/m2), yielded significantly higher growth, survival, and biomass production compared to tank systems (p P. pelagicus, contributing valuable insights for improving aquaculture protocols and supporting stock enhancement initiatives toward sustainable fisheries.This work was supported by Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC/AQD), and the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) (Nr-01-C2014 T)