Shellfish Breeding and Hatchery Management (2+1)

10.2.2 Refuge system for crabs

To facilitate the burying habit of mud crabs, a refuge system is constructed in one part of the holding tank. For this purpose, one-third floor area of the tank should be provided with a clean sandy substratum up to a height of 10cm. A brick-wall of 15 cm height may be erected to hold the sand in position. Otherwise, while burying, mud crabs may scatter the sand. To reduce cannibalism among the brood crabs, hollow-brick blocks may be placed as hide-outs for the crabs.