Shellfish Breeding and Hatchery Management (2+1)

10.2.1 Marking of reared crabs

Marking is essential for the correct identification of the brooder for breeding purposes.

Both male and female crabs that are stocked in the brooder tanks should be marked on their carapace with white colour epoxy paint.  Since the crabs undergo moulting there is a possibility of losing the mark. Therefore, when a crab moults, the same marking as present or made in their old exoskeleton may be painted on the newly formed carapace after hardening of the exoskeleton of moulted crab. Thus, the identity of an individual crab in the stock is continuously monitored. Re-marking of crabs may be done, whenever the old marking fades away.