Production Performance and Economic aspects of Soft-Shell Crab Scylla spp. Culture in RAS Vertical Crab Boxes with Herbal Applications

Mud crabs (Scylla spp.) are being cultured in vertical crab boxes using a recirculating aquaculture system. One approach to accelerate and increase the frequency of mud crab molting is to provide plants containing the molting hormone ecdysteroid through feed. This research aims to analyze the production and business performance of soft-shelled crab culture in vertical crab boxes fed diets supplemented with purslane Portulaca oleracea, mulberry Morus alba, and spinach Amaranthus hybridus. Purslane was given to mud crabs at doses of 0 (control), 40, 50, and 60 g/kg, while mulberry was given at doses of 0, 30, 40, and 50 g/kg, and spinach was given at 60 g/kg of feed compared to autotomy and control treatments. Purslane and mulberry, related to the molting percentage and business performance in this mangrove crab culture, were 60 and 50 g/kg of feed, respectively. Purslane and mulberry improved the molting percentage and business performance of mangrove crab culture, although they did not compete with the autotomy treatment. This research contributes to the development of productive, efficient, environmentally friendly, and sustainable soft-shell crab culture by using herbal ingredients to increase the molting percentage.