Evaluation of different induced molting methods in Callinectes ornatus (Crustacea, Decapoda, Portunidae) as a tool for the commercial production of soft-shell crabs

We investigated the effects of eyestalk ablation and cheliped autotomy in inducing molting Callinectes ornatus. The specimens intermolt stage were divided into two size classes: 1 (30-50 mm) 2 (51-70 further four experimental groups. In CA group (Cheliped Autotomy, n=76), crabs submitted to autotomy; UA (Unilateral Ablation, n=66) BA (Bilateral unilateral bilateral ablation, respectively. C (Control, n=70) was used as control. animals individually kept tanks interconnected a recirculation system for 30 days. highest frequency premolt recorded (32%), followed by (16%). class (28%) significantly higher (p<0.05) than (8%). mean time until molt lower (p <0.05) other groups tested. mortality rates 55% 25% from groups, results indicate are potentially capable C. ornatus, but these techniques have limited efficiency commercial application large-scale soft-shell crab.