Movement pattern of mud crab, genus Scylla assessment through mark-release-recapture technique

Abstract

This study was conducted at Setiu Wetland, Terengganu. Mud crab, genus Scylla species are commercially important mangrove resident found within the mangrove area. The movement patterns were studied through the tag return by using mark­ release-recapture technique. The crab samples were tagged by Fluorescing Visible Implant Elastomer (VIE) tag and released at the same captured stations for one week interval before the next sampling. The crab samples were measured, identified for mud crab species and recorded. Three species were present and dominated by S. olivacea and S. paramamosain. Only a few samples of S. tranquebarica were obtained. The movement of S. olivacea was more restricted and have high tendency to inhabit certain area for a period of time. As for the S. paramamosain, their movement was free-ranging and rarely inhabits the same area for a long period.