Biology and conservation of the genus Scylla in India subcontinent.

ABSTRACT

Mud crabs usually inhabit brackish water bodies of South-East Asia including India. The biological significance of the species is its survibility in wide range of hydro-biological fluctuating environments including salinity. The life cycle of the species includes two important larval stages at which they are vulnerable to various predators. Pathophysiological status of the species is a challenge for its aquaculture. Inspite of a huge economical and high food values, informations on biochemical, molecular, physiological, ecological and taxonomical aspects of mud crabs (Scylla sp.) in comparison to other important aquaculture candidates are very limited. The present review is an attempt to string together various informations available on mud crabs (S. serrata) so that it will provide a platform to have all the basic informations regarding the species for interested workers. It is believed that understanding the pathology, ecophysiology, genetics and reproduction of the species in its natural environment will not only help in its conservation but also will help in its enhanced production.