Scylla paramamosain

Scylla paramamosain

Scylla paramamosain, also known as the mud crab or mangrove crab, is a species of crab that is commonly found in the estuaries and mangroves of Asia and Australia. This species is highly prized for its size and the quality of its meat, making it a significant species in aquaculture.

Taxonomy

Scylla paramamosain belongs to the family Portunidae, which is a large family of crabs. It is one of the four species of the genus Scylla, which also includes Scylla serrata, Scylla tranquebarica, and Scylla olivacea.

Distribution and Habitat

Scylla paramamosain is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, from the east coast of Africa to the western Pacific Ocean. It is commonly found in the estuaries and mangroves of countries such as China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Australia.

Description

Scylla paramamosain is a large crab, with males reaching a carapace width of up to 22 cm and females up to 19 cm. The carapace is usually greenish-brown, while the legs and claws are a darker brown. The claws are large and powerful, used for both defense and feeding.

Diet

The diet of Scylla paramamosain mainly consists of mollusks, smaller crabs, and various types of fish. They are also known to be scavengers, feeding on dead animals when available.

Aquaculture

Scylla paramamosain is a significant species in aquaculture, particularly in countries like China, Vietnam, and Thailand. It is highly prized for its size and the quality of its meat. The farming of this species involves several stages, including hatchery, nursery, and grow-out phases.

Conservation Status

While Scylla paramamosain is not currently listed as threatened or endangered, overfishing and habitat destruction pose potential threats to its population. Efforts are being made to ensure the sustainable farming and harvesting of this species.

See Also

• Crustacean
• Aquaculture
• Mangrove

References

• FishBase - Scylla paramamosain
• IUCN Red List - Scylla paramamosain
• NCBI - Scylla paramamosain

External Links

• SeaLifeBase - Scylla paramamosain
• Aquaculture Alliance - Mud Crab Aquaculture: A Practical Manual