Mudcrab fattening, a fast way to earn

By Roberto Garcia

MUDCRAB is a popular seafood that has a big demand, especially the big, fat ones that command a premium price.

Once upon a time this crustacean delicacy grew in abundance in the vast mangrove areas of Dagupan. But it has been on the decline due to the destruction of their habitat and the excessive collection of wild stock in the riverine channels.

So is there a way for increasing the supply and improving the quality of mudcrabs for the fresh seafood market, and perhaps for the export market?

There are two ways of culturing mudcrabs: fattening and grow-out.

The first seems to be the best option since it can yield a fast turnover due to a shorter culture period, higher stocking density per area, and higher survival rate. Moreover, this technique requires only a small area within fishponds or along river beds and the investment is minimal.

Fattening mudcrabs is done in bamboo cages or pens where not-so-fat crabs weighing at least 100 grams are held for 10 to 30 days until they gain weight, their shells harden, or if females, their eggs develop. They are fed daily with inexpensive fish such as tilapia and trash fish, shrimp or mussel meat. Small, lean crabs can be sourced from the fish market or from collectors who go around fishponds digging along dikes for wild crabs.

Farming mudcrabs is an economical and environmentally-sound practice since it provides a good income while at the same time it does not destroy the environment. Because of the low investment involved, it is suitable for small operators of fishponds or fisherfolk who would want to earn additional income in a short period of time.

And finally, the good news is that a mudcrab hatchery has been developed which will ensure the year round availability of small crabs for culture.

Culturing mudcrabs is definitely worth considering for livelihood.

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