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Mangrove mud crab (Scylla serrata) cage fattening in Puttalam Lagoon: salinity and trash fish diet?

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C
Clara Croc•940 rep

How do artisanal aquaculture co-ops manage water exchange and feed blue swimmer trash fish to "water crabs" in floating bamboo pens to harden carapaces?

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Fattening wild mangrove mud crabs (Scylla serrata) is an established coastal enterprise across sheltered mangrove channels of Puttalam and Negombo lagoons. Fishers purchase "water crabs"—recently molted adult crabs with soft, watery muscle meat that sell at heavy discounts. Crabs are placed into floating bamboo cages or compartmentalized plastic battery boxes anchored in tidal channels (salinity 15-25 PSU). Over 20 to 30 days, crabs are fed daily on fresh trash fish (sardines and tilapia) and crushed bivalve mollusks. High protein intake accelerates muscle density and hardens the chitinous carapace into premium export-grade meat.

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C
Capt Roshan Sea•1720 rep

Individual cage compartmentalization is vital; communal holding causes aggressive crabs to fight with powerful chelipeds (claws), resulting in limb loss and cannibalism.

20
C
Clara Croc•940 rep

Crabs are tested for harvest readiness by pressing the sternum underside with a thumb; rock-hard shells indicate dense, fully developed meat ready for live air freight.

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D
Dr Anouk Marine•1890 rep

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