Authors : W.N. Nadiah, M. Ikhwanuddin and A.B. Abol-Munafi
Abstract: This study investigates the mating behavior and success of commercially important crab, Portunus pelagicus through the induction of limb autotomy technique. In the first treatment, the newly mature female crabs were limb autotomized and only perpetuate the swimming paddles. Second treatment (control) consists of newly mature female crabs (intact crabs) which are placed in a mating tank together with an inter-molt male crab. The female crabs which showed signs of molting were transferred to the mating tank with the ratio of 1:1 (male:female). About 2 weeks after the limb autotomy induction, all female crabs in the first treatment has successfully molted and entered the post-molt (soft-shell) stage. The post-molt female crabs were then transferred to mating tanks together with inter-molt male crabs to observe for any mating success. Results for both treatments demonstrate that successful mating among crabs was observed in the first treatment and as for controls no mating process was observed.
W.N. Nadiah, M. Ikhwanuddin and A.B. Abol-Munafi , 2012. Remarks on the Mating Behavior and Success of Blue Swimming Crab, Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1766) Through the Induction of Limb Autotomy Technique. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 11: 1149-1157.