Aquaculture of mud crabs (Scylla spp.) dates back to 1890 in Guangdong, China (Shan and Lain 1994). Since
1970s onwards, a steady interest was noticed in mud crabs culture in many tropical Asian countries due to its
importantance in the industry and advantages viz. (1) uncomplicated technology, (2) abandoned shrimp ponds can be
converted, (3) international markets, (4) native species to many tropical Asian countries, (5) easy transportation,
potential for rural as well as industrialized aquaculture, (6) individual animals are valued in contrast to penaeid shrimps
and (7) resilience of resources. However, crab aquaculture is severely constrained by the unperfected hatchery
technology. This article summarizes various aspects of mud crab biology and hatchery technology
