In this issue

Shrimp Infectious Diseases and Diagnostics in the Philippines
Effects of Temperature and Diurnal Cycle in the Molting Schedule of Mangrove Crab, Scylla serrata (Forskål, 1775)
Shading Influenced Water Quality and Seed Production of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) in the Hapa-within-Pond System During Warm Months
Annotated Checklist of Cartilaginous Fishes in Palawan Waters
Impacts of Freshwater Fish Sanctuaries on Fish and Crustacean Diversity, Catch, and Household Income of Fisherfolk in Baggao, Cagayan, Philippines
Population Dynamics of Shortfin Scad (Decapterus macrosoma) Bleeker 1851 in Babuyan Channel, Philippines
Reproductive Biology of Bali Sardines, Sardinella lemuru (Bleeker, 1853), in Tayabas Bay, Quezon, Philippines
Optimization of the Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Yellowfin tuna, (Thunnus albacares) Viscera by Response Surface Methodology
Nutrient Composition and Heavy Metal Contents of Freshwater Sardine, Sardinella tawilis (Herre, 1927), in Taal Lake, Philippines
Influence of Colors on the Catching Performance of Artificial Lures of Multiple Troll Line in Bongao Waters, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines
Diversity, Abundance, and Local Use of Fishes in Lake Danao, Ormoc City, Philippines
eDNA Detection to Help Combat Illegal Fishing and Modern Slavery
Ensuring Aquatic Food Security in the Philippines

Journal Issue Volume 30 Issue 2 Effects of Temperature and Diurnal Cycle in the Molting Schedule of...

Short Communication

Effects of Temperature and Diurnal Cycle in the Molting Schedule of Mangrove Crab, Scylla serrata (Forskål, 1775)

Darwin C. Biag

Camarines Norte State College-Institute of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Mercedes, Camarines Norte, Philippines

Corresponding author

darwin.biag@gmail.com

ORCID logo, Antonino B. Mendoza, Jr.2

1 Camarines Norte State College-Institute of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Mercedes, Camarines Norte, Philippines
2 Coastal Resources Management Unit, Bicol University Tabaco Campus, Tabaco City, Philippines

Page 145-154 | Received 19 Nov 2022, Accepted 18 Jul 2023

Abstract

Soft-shell crab farming is gaining popularity since all crab parts can be eaten with almost no discards. However, its biggest challenge is the tedious monitoring every 4-hour interval to check for molting. A total of 90 mangrove crabs weighing 80-100 g were stocked in individual crab trays, recording 24-hour water temperature and incidence of hourly molting for 57 days to provide another basis for monitoring and cues in the molting schedule. Results showed that molting (82.24 %) happens at optimum temperature (Topt) levels, between 27–31°C, with a high incidence of molting (85.29 %) at nighttime when the water temperature is lower and within the Topt. Findings suggested that aside from 4-hour intervals, monitoring of molting for soft-shell crab farming is recommended at nighttime and early morning.


Keywords: soft-shell crab production, optimum temperature, monitoring time, molting schedule