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Abstract:
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True crabs are the most fascinating group of
organisms among the decapod crustaceans. Great importance
is attached at present to the increased exploitation of
these animals and therefore there is great scope for
further development of their fishery. They have a
broad and hard carapace, massive chelate legs, bent
abdomen and exhibit high degree of adaptation to the
environment. They show pelagic, benthic, intertidal,
burrowing and terrestrial modes of life. Their commensal
association with other invertebrates, their breeding
behaviour and life history are of great interest to
biologists. More than six hundred species of crabs are
known to occur in Indian waters and among them
about eight species form a regular fishery along the
entire stretch of peninsular India (Rao §§_al., 1973)
round the year. Crab fishery in India is fast developing
and there is vast scope for them as there are many more
potential species. Among the various crustacean diets,
crabs are celebrated for deliciousness and for nutritional
richness. In recent days, crab food items have become
more popular and gained global reception. These resources
can also be augmented further by culturing them in ponds
in the future. Information on biology and ecology of
constituent species go a long way not only in effective
exploitation and regulation of the respective fishery
resources but also helps in evolving a suitable gear
for their capture. Information collected on the
national level in various aspects as reproduction, growth
rate, larval development, parasites, diseases, nutritive
values etc. will be of help in evolving a national
policy for the effective utilisation and conservation
of this resource. They also provide the baseline information
for undertaking any purposeful and meaningful
culture activities. Information on the various aspects
mentioned above is very much restricted in true crabs
and hence the present study |