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Method Article
Два протокола абляции глазных стебельков (т.е. прижигание и хирургическое вмешательство) были выполнены на анестезированных самках крабов. Абляция глазного стебля грязевых крабов ускорила созревание яичников без снижения выживаемости.
Грязевые крабы (Scylla spp.) являются коммерчески важными видами ракообразных, которые можно найти по всему Индо-Западному Тихоокеанскому региону. Во время культивирования индукция созревания яичников важна для удовлетворения потребительского спроса на зрелых грязевых крабов и ускорения производства семян. Абляция глазного стебля является эффективным инструментом для ускорения созревания яичников у грязевых крабов. Тем не менее, не существует стандартного протокола для абляции глазного стебля грязевых крабов. В этом исследовании описаны два метода абляции глазных стебельков: прижигание (использование горячего металла для удаления глазного стебля анестезированного краба) и хирургическое вмешательство (удаление глазного стебля с помощью хирургических ножниц). Перед абляцией глазного стебля половозрелые самки (CW > 86 мм) были анестезированы с помощью пакета со льдом (-20 ° C) с морской водой. Когда температура воды достигала 4 °C, мешок со льдом вынимали из воды. Проточная морская вода (температура окружающей среды: 28 °C) использовалась для восстановления после анестезии сразу после абляции глазного стебля. Смертность не наступала ни во время, ни после процесса абляции глазных стебельков. Представленный здесь протокол абляции глазных стебельков ускорил созревание яичников грязевых крабов.
Все четыре вида грязевых крабов, принадлежащие к роду Scylla, являются коммерчески важными видами ракообразных в аквакультуре 1,2. Рост ракообразных, в том числе грязевых крабов, и их трансформация из преждевременной (субвзрослой или пубертатной) фазы в половозрелую (взрослую) фазу происходят в процессе линьки, который включает периодическое сбрасывание старых и меньших экзоскелетов. Ширина панциря (CW), хелипеды и морфология брюшного лоскута широко используются для определения половой зрелости Scylla spp. 3,4,5. Процесс линьки регулируется действием различных гормонов и требует огромного количестваэнергии6. В дополнение к нормальному процессу линьки, потеря конечностей, добровольно или вызванная внешними факторами, ускоряет линьку крабов, не влияя на их выживаемость 7,8,9. Поэтому аутотомия конечностей обычно используется для индукции линьки в индустрии разведения грязевых крабовс мягким панцирем 7,9.
Односторонняя или двусторонняя абляция глазного стебля в основном популярна у пресноводных креветок и морских креветок для созревания гонад и производства семян 10,11,12,13. Распространенные методы абляции глазного стебля у ракообразных включают следующее: (i) лигирование у основания глазного стебля с использованием нити14,15; (ii) прижигание глазного стебля с помощью горячих щипцов или электрокоагуляционных устройств16; (iii) удаление или прямое защемление глазного стебля, чтобы оставить открытую рану12; и (iv) удаление содержимого глазного стебля через разрез после разрезания дистальной части глаза бритвой17. Х-органы глазного стебля являются важными эндокринными органами у ракообразных, поскольку они регулируют гипергликемические гормоны ракообразных (CHH), гормоны, ингибирующие линьку (MIH), и гормоны, ингибирующие вителлогенез (VIH)6,18,19,20,21,22. Х-органы глазного стебля (или комплекс синусовых желез) синтезируют и высвобождают гормоны, ингибирующие гонады (GIH), также известные как гормоны, ингибирующие вителлогенез (VIH), принадлежащие к семейству нейропептидных гормонов6. Односторонняя или двусторонняя абляция глазных стебельков снижает синтез GIH, что приводит к доминированию стимулирующих гормонов (т.е. гонадстимулирующих гормонов, GSH) и ускорению процесса созревания яичников у ракообразных23,24,25,26. Без влияния ГИГ после абляции глазных стебельков самки ракообразных посвящают свою энергию развитию яичников27. Было обнаружено, что односторонняя абляция глазных стебельков достаточна для индукции созревания яичников у ракообразных11 и что абляция глазного стебля креветок и крабов может восстанавливаться после нескольких линьк28. У Scylla spp. зарегистрировано четыре стадии развития яичников: i) незрелая (стадия-1), ii) раннеспелая (стадия-2), iii) предзрелая (стадия-3) и iv) полностью зрелая (стадия-4)29,30. Незрелая стадия яичников встречается у неполовозрелых самок. После пубертатной линьки и спаривания незрелая завязь начинает развиваться и, наконец, созревает (стадия-4) до нереста31.
Протокол абляции глазного стебля необходим для развития маточного стада грязевых крабов и производства семян. На мировом продовольственном рынке потребители предпочитают зрелых грязевых крабов с полностью зрелыми яичниками (стадия 4), а не крабов с более высоким содержанием мышц и, таким образом, имеют более высокую коммерческую ценность, даже выше, чем крупные самцы. Не существует полного протокола абляции глазного стебля грязевых крабов. Протокол абляции глазных стебельков в этой работе сводит к минимуму стресс за счет использования полностью анестезированных крабов и сводит к минимуму физические травмы персонала от укусов крабов. Этот протокол прост и экономичен. Здесь мы представляем протокол абляции глазных стебельков Scylla spp., который может вызвать созревание гонады. Были протестированы два метода абляции глазных стекол (прижигание и хирургическое вмешательство), и их эффективность сравнивалась на основе скорости развития гонад самок грязевых крабов.
Этот протокол соответствует Малайзийскому кодексу практики по уходу за животными и их использованию в научных целях, изложенным Ассоциацией лабораторных животных Малайзии. Принесение в жертву экспериментальных образцов было сделано в соответствии с Руководством Национального института здравоохранения по уходу и использованию лабораторных животных (NIH Publications No 8023, пересмотрено в 1978 году). Половозрелые самки грязевых крабов (оранжевый грязевой краб S. olivacea) были собраны на местном рынке (5°66′62′′ с.ш., 102°72′33′′ в.д.) на водно-болотных угодьях Сетиу в Малайзии. Вид грязевого краба был идентифицирован по морфологическим признакам1.
1. Отбор проб и дезинфекция
Рисунок 1: Морфология брюшной полости самок грязевых крабов, используемая для определения стадий полового созревания. Пожалуйста, нажмите здесь, чтобы просмотреть увеличенную версию этого рисунка.
2. Акклиматизация
3. Индуцированная линька для половой зрелости
4. Анестезия
5. Абляция глазных стебельков
6. Постанестезиологический уход
7. Наблюдение за созреванием яичников
Созревание гонад
Кремово-белые ткани яичников (незрелые яичники, стадия-1) были обнаружены у 100% рассеченных самок (n = 6) до проведения абляции глазных стебельков (рис. 2). Скорость созревания гонад у самок крабов с удаленным глазным стеблем (n = 63; 31 самка с техникой...
Этот протокол был разработан для абляции глазного стебля грязевого краба Scylla spp. и может применяться в качестве эффективного метода для стимуляции созревания гонад. Этот протокол может быть легко воспроизведен для коммерческого созревания яичников грязевых крабов и может быть ре...
Ни у кого из авторов нет конфликта интересов.
Это исследование было поддержано Министерством образования Малайзии в рамках программы Центра передового опыта высших учебных заведений (HICoE), Малайзия, аккредитованной при Институте тропической аквакультуры и рыболовства, Университет Малайзии Теренггану (Vot No 63933 и Vot No 56048). Мы выражаем признательность за поддержку Universiti Malaysia Terengganu и Sayap Jaya Sdn. Bhd. в рамках исследовательского гранта частного партнерства (Vot. No 55377). Также признана должность адъюнкт-научного сотрудника Университета Сайнс Малайзии для Хор Вайхо и Ханафии Фажан.
Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
Aeration tube | Ming Yu Three | N/A | aquarium and pet shop |
Airstone | Ming Yu Three | N/A | aquarium and pet shop |
Autoclave machine | HIRAYAMA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION | N/A | MADE IN JAPAN |
Bleaching powder (Hi-Chlon 70%) | Nippon Soda Co.Ltd,Japan | N/A | N/A |
Blow torch | MR D.I.Y. Group Berhad | N/A | N/A |
Circular tank (32L) | BEST PLASTIC INDUSTRY SDN. BHD. | N/A | N/A |
Cotton hand gloves (thick) | MR D.I.Y. Group Berhad | N/A | N/A |
Cotton towel | MR D.I.Y. Group Berhad | N/A | N/A |
Digital thermometer | Hanna Instrument | HI9814 | Hanna Instruments GroLine Hydroponics Waterproof pH / EC / TDS / Temp. Portable Meter HI9814 |
Digital Vernier Caliper | INSIZE Co., Ltd. | N/A | |
Dissecting tray | Hatcheri AKUATROP | N/A | Research Center of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu |
Dropper bottle/Plastic Pipettes Dropper | Shopee Malaysia | N/A | N/A |
Ethanol 70% | Thermo Scientific Chemicals | 033361.M1 | Diluted to 70% using double distilled water |
Fiberglass tank (1 ton) | Hatcheri AKUATROP | N/A | Research Center of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu |
Fine sand | N/A | N/A | collected from Sea beach of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu |
First Aid Kits | Watsons Malaysia | N/A | N/A |
Flat head nickel steel metal rod (Screw driver) | MR D.I.Y. Group Berhad | N/A | N/A |
Formaldehyde | Thermo Scientific Chemicals | 119690010 | |
Gas cylinder (butane gas) for blow torch | MR D.I.Y. Group Berhad | N/A | N/A |
Gas lighter gun (long head) | MR D.I.Y. Group Berhad | N/A | N/A |
Glass beaker (100 mL)) | Corning Life Sciences | 1000-100 | |
Ice bag | Watsons Malaysia | N/A | N/A |
Perforated plastic baskets | Eco-Shop Marketing Sdn. Bhd. | N/A | N/A |
PVC pipe 15mm | Bina Plastic Industries Sdn Bhd (HQ) | N/A | N/A |
Refractometer | ATAGO CO.,LTD. | ||
Refrigerator | Sharp Corporation Japan | N/A | Chest Freezer SHARP 110L - SJC 118 |
Scoop net | MR D.I.Y. Group Berhad | N/A | |
Seawater | Hatcheri AKUATROP | N/A | Research Center of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu |
Siphoning pipe | MR D.I.Y. Group Berhad | N/A | N/A |
Spray bottle | Mr. DIY Sdn Bhd | N/A | N/A |
Stainless surgical forceps | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Stainless surgical scissors | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Submersible water pump | AS | N/A | model: Astro 4000 |
Tincture of iodine solution (Povidone Iodine) | Farmasi Fajr Sdn Bhd | N/A | N/A |
Tissue paper | N/A | N/A | |
Transparent plastic aquarium | Ming Yu Three | N/A | aquarium and pet shop |
Waterproof table | Hatcheri AKUATROP | N/A | Research Center of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu |
An erratum was issued for: Eyestalk Ablation to Increase Ovarian Maturation in Mud Crabs. The Introduction, Protocol, Discussion and References were updated.
The forth sentence in the third paragraph of the Introduction has been updated from:
The eyestalk ablation protocol in this work minimizes stress by using fully sedated crabs and minimizes physical injury to personnel from crab bites.
to:
The eyestalk ablation protocol in this work minimizes stress by using fully anesthetized crabs and minimizes physical injury to personnel from crab bites.
The start of the Protocol has been updated from:
This protocol follows the Malaysian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes outlined by the Laboratory Animal Science Association of Malaysia. The sacrifice of the experimental samples was done according to the National Institutes of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NIH Publications No. 8023, revised 1978). Sexually pre-mature female mud crabs (orange mud crab S. olivacea) were collected from the local market (5°66′62′′N, 102°72′33′′E) at the Setiu Wetlands in Malaysia. The mud crab species was identified based on morphological characteristics1.
to:
This protocol follows the Malaysian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes outlined by the Laboratory Animal Science Association of Malaysia and was approved by the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu's Research Ethics Committee (Animal ethics approval number: UMT/JKEPHMK/2023/96). The sacrifice of the experimental samples was done according to the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition. Sexually pre-mature female mud crabs (orange mud crab Scylla olivacea) were collected from the local market (5°66′62′′N, 102°72′33′′E) at the Setiu Wetlands in Malaysia. The mud crab species was identified based on morphological characteristics1.
Section 4 of the Protocol has been updated from:
4. Cold-shock anesthesia
to:
4. Anesthesia
Section 5 of the Protocol has been updated from:
5. Eyestalk ablation
to:
5. Eyestalk ablation
Step 7.2.2 of the Protocol has been updated from:
Sedate the females individually with the cold shock anesthesia method.
to:
Anesthetize the females individually with the 2-PE immersion anesthesia method.
The Discussion has been updated from:
This protocol was developed for the eyestalk ablation of the mud crab, Scylla spp., and can be applied as an efficient method to induce gonad maturation. This protocol can be easily replicated for the commercial ovary maturation of mud crabs and can be implemented to reduce the latent period (time from one spawning to another) in mud crab seed production.
The eyestalk ablation of crustaceans (i.e., freshwater prawn, marine shrimp) is typically done to induce gonad maturation and out-of-season spawning11,12,13. Eyestalk ablation in brachyuran crabs has also been done to study molting25,32,33, hormonal regulation18, gonad maturation34, and induced breeding and reproductive performance35,36,37,38,39. Unilateral or bilateral eyestalk ablation influences the physiology of the crustacean. Eyestalk ablation following the protocol stated in this study also influences the ovarian maturation rate of mud crabs. In the control treatment (without eyestalk ablation), 43.33% ± 5.77% of female crabs had an immature ovary (stage-1). However, in the same rearing period (30 days), eyestalk-ablated female crabs had pre-maturing ovaries (stage-3; 56.67% ± 11.55% and 53.33% ± 15.28% with the cauterization and surgery techniques, respectively), which shows that eyestalk ablation can increase the gonad maturation of mud crabs. Previous studies have also reported that the ovarian development of intact crabs (without eyestalk ablation) is slower than that of eyestalk-ablated crabs25,31. Due to the slower gonadal development in intact crustaceans, eyestalk ablation is widely done in commercial prawn and shrimp hatcheries. In this protocol, the eyestalk-ablated female crabs achieved higher percentages of ovarian maturation compared to the female crabs without the eyestalk ablation treatment (Figure 3).
The gonad maturation of the mud crab is regulated by hormones21,40,41. The eyestalk contains important endocrine glands (i.e., the X-organ-sinus gland complex) that play vital roles in the gonadal maturation process of mud crabs18,21. Unilateral eyestalk ablation, either by cauterization or surgery, damages one of the major endocrine glands that is involved in the synthesis and release of inhibiting hormones (e.g., VIH), thereby resulting in a higher level of gonad-stimulating hormones (i.e., VSH).
The ovarian maturation stages of Scylla spp. can be differentiated by observing the ovarian tissue coloration with the naked eye29,30,42. Translucent or creamy white ovarian tissues are indications of immature ovaries29,30,42,43. In this study, immature ovaries (stage-1) were still found in the group of female crabs without eyestalk ablation due to the slower ovarian maturation process. However, the crabs in the eyestalk-ablated groups (both by the cauterization and surgery techniques) mostly showed pre-maturing ovaries (stage-3), with some individuals exhibiting fully matured ovaries (stage-4). Therefore, the protocol of eyestalk ablation described here can be used to increase ovarian maturation in female mud crabs. This protocol can also be applied directly to wild-collected mature female mud crabs to hasten their seed production. To evaluate the effectiveness of cauterization and surgery methods on mud crab gonad maturation and to ensure the accurate estimation of molting duration, sexually pre-mature crabs were used. After the (induced) molting of sexually pre-mature female crabs, we noticed that their ovaries were still in the immature or early developing stages29,44. After 30 days of rearing the newly mature female crabs (either eyestalk-ablated or without eyestalk ablation), the ovarian development stages (stage-1 to stage-4) were determined by the color of the ovarian tissues. This protocol encourages the use of the cauterization technique to perform eyestalk ablation in mud crabs to avoid any hemolymph loss and prevent infection at the ablated sites. Cauterization immediately seals the wound, whereas the surgery technique requires an additional step of disinfection using iodine. For commercial purposes, larger mature crabs, preferably at a later stage of ovarian maturation, should be selected for eyestalk ablation to shorten the time to reach the fully matured ovary stage for subsequent commerce or brood stock culture. In addition to eyestalk ablation, individual rearing with sand substrate and sufficient feeding, preferably with live feed, can increase the gonad maturation rate of mud crabs in captivity30,35,45,46.
Crustacean blood is called hemolymph and can be lost during eyestalk ablation. An excessive loss of hemolymph may lead to the death of eyestalk-ablated crabs, especially when performing surgery to remove the eyestalk. The hemolymph can coagulate in the wounded part to prevent loss. The application of a tincture of iodine can prevent infection of the wounded part. However, in comparison to the surgery technique, the cauterization technique seals the wounded part immediately, thereby preventing the loss of hemolymph and possible infection.
Mud crab mortality after unilateral eyestalk ablation with either cauterization or surgery was not found within the first 7 days. Thus, eyestalk ablation can be done with a higher survival rate. Unilateral eyestalk ablation does not hamper the survival rate of the crab33.
Stress during crab handling and eyestalk ablation may contribute to crab mortality. Proper anesthesia is needed to minimize handling stress during eyestalk ablation. In crustacean eyestalk ablation, chemical anesthetics (i.e., xylocaine, lidocaine) are used at the base of the eyestalk before eyestalk ablation14,15,17,47. However, due to the aggressive nature and large size of mud crabs, the use of anesthesia only at the base of the eyestalk is not sufficient and might result in additional stress to the animals during the injection. On the other hand, anesthesia by subjecting them to a lower water temperature is more economical and safer. The use of cold water for anesthesia in mud crabs is common and has been used in other studies due to its efficiency, simplicity, and minimal impact on recovery and survival37,48,49.
Although eyestalk ablation using both cauterization and surgery methods has a minimal effect on crab survival and enhances ovarian maturation, performing eyestalk ablation requires professional mastery of the techniques. The timing between the steps is critical as any delay between protocols adds additional stress for the crabs. Unlike the surgery technique, the cauterization technique is dangerous because it involves the use of flammable equipment (i.e., a blow torch and butane gas). Thus, extra caution is needed when performing the cauterization technique.
Crabs are cannibalistic in nature, and they are known to prey on others that have just completed their molt and are still in their soft-shell conditions7,50,51. Thus, rearing the crabs individually can avoid unnecessary mortality due to cannibalism. The use of individual rearing in mud crab culture is commonly practiced, both in high-density culture and pond culture, for fattening and soft-shell crab farming purposes8,52. This protocol also utilized individual rearing and maintenance. During the transportation of the crabs for rearing or commerce, the crab chelipeds are tied up securely (or even autotomized) to prevent fighting, unnecessary injury, and limb loss34.
The described protocol for eyestalk ablation should be performed with multiple persons. After completing the eyestalk ablation, non-disposable equipment (e.g., the aquarium, tray, towel, etc.) should be disinfected with 30 ppm chlorine. The crabs must be monitored at least twice per day. Any dead crabs, uneaten feed, ablated limbs, or molted crab shells should be swiftly disposed of (i.e., buried in soil with bleaching powder) to prevent any potential for disease spread.
to:
This protocol was developed for the eyestalk ablation of the mud crab, Scylla spp., and can be applied as an efficient method to induce gonad maturation. This protocol can be easily replicated for the commercial ovary maturation of mud crabs and can be implemented to reduce the latent period (time from one spawning to another) in mud crab seed production.
The eyestalk ablation of crustaceans (i.e., freshwater prawn, marine shrimp) is typically done to induce gonad maturation and out-of-season spawning11,12,13. Eyestalk ablation in brachyuran crabs has also been done to study molting25,32,33, hormonal regulation18, gonad maturation34, and induced breeding and reproductive performance35,36,37,38,39. Anesthesia via immersion in 2-phenoxyethanol was used as it is comparable to the use of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) in arthopods but cheaper and does not require the use of additional buffer40. Unilateral or bilateral eyestalk ablation influences the physiology of the crustacean. Eyestalk ablation following the protocol stated in this study also influences the ovarian maturation rate of mud crabs. In the control treatment (without eyestalk ablation), 43.33% ± 5.77% of female crabs had an immature ovary (stage-1). However, in the same rearing period (30 days), eyestalk-ablated female crabs had pre-maturing ovaries (stage-3; 56.67% ± 11.55% and 53.33% ± 15.28% with the cauterization and surgery techniques, respectively), which shows that eyestalk ablation can increase the gonad maturation of mud crabs. Previous studies have also reported that the ovarian development of intact crabs (without eyestalk ablation) is slower than that of eyestalk-ablated crabs25,31. Due to the slower gonadal development in intact crustaceans, eyestalk ablation is widely done in commercial prawn and shrimp hatcheries. In this protocol, the eyestalk-ablated female crabs achieved higher percentages of ovarian maturation compared to the female crabs without the eyestalk ablation treatment (Figure 3).
The gonad maturation of the mud crab is regulated by hormones21,41,42. The eyestalk contains important endocrine glands (i.e., the X-organ-sinus gland complex) that play vital roles in the gonadal maturation process of mud crabs18,21. Unilateral eyestalk ablation, either by cauterization or surgery, damages one of the major endocrine glands that is involved in the synthesis and release of inhibiting hormones (e.g., VIH), thereby resulting in a higher level of gonad-stimulating hormones (i.e., VSH).
The ovarian maturation stages of Scylla spp. can be differentiated by observing the ovarian tissue coloration with the naked eye29,30,43. Translucent or creamy white ovarian tissues are indications of immature ovaries29,30,43,44. In this study, immature ovaries (stage-1) were still found in the group of female crabs without eyestalk ablation due to the slower ovarian maturation process. However, the crabs in the eyestalk-ablated groups (both by the cauterization and surgery techniques) mostly showed pre-maturing ovaries (stage-3), with some individuals exhibiting fully matured ovaries (stage-4). Therefore, the protocol of eyestalk ablation described here can be used to increase ovarian maturation in female mud crabs. This protocol can also be applied directly to wild-collected mature female mud crabs to hasten their seed production. To evaluate the effectiveness of cauterization and surgery methods on mud crab gonad maturation and to ensure the accurate estimation of molting duration, sexually pre-mature crabs were used. After the (induced) molting of sexually pre-mature female crabs, we noticed that their ovaries were still in the immature or early developing stages29,45. After 30 days of rearing the newly mature female crabs (either eyestalk-ablated or without eyestalk ablation), the ovarian development stages (stage-1 to stage-4) were determined by the color of the ovarian tissues. This protocol encourages the use of the cauterization technique to perform eyestalk ablation in mud crabs to avoid any hemolymph loss and prevent infection at the ablated sites. Cauterization immediately seals the wound, whereas the surgery technique takes time for the wound to heal and this would allow for chance of infection. For commercial purposes, larger mature crabs, preferably at a later stage of ovarian maturation, should be selected for eyestalk ablation to shorten the time to reach the fully matured ovary stage for subsequent commerce or brood stock culture. In addition to eyestalk ablation, individual rearing with sand substrate and sufficient feeding, preferably with live feed, can increase the gonad maturation rate of mud crabs in captivity30,35,46,47.
Crustacean blood is called hemolymph and can be lost during eyestalk ablation. An excessive loss of hemolymph may lead to the death of eyestalk-ablated crabs, especially when performing surgery to remove the eyestalk. The hemolymph can coagulate in the wounded part to prevent loss. However, in comparison to the surgery technique, the cauterization technique seals the wounded part immediately, thereby preventing the loss of hemolymph and possible infection.
Mud crab mortality after unilateral eyestalk ablation with either cauterization or surgery was not found within the first 7 days. Thus, eyestalk ablation can be done with a higher survival rate. Unilateral eyestalk ablation does not hamper the survival rate of the crab33.
Stress during crab handling and eyestalk ablation may contribute to crab mortality. Proper anesthesia is needed to minimize handling stress during eyestalk ablation. In crustacean eyestalk ablation, chemical anesthetics (i.e., xylocaine, lidocaine) are used at the base of the eyestalk before eyestalk ablation14,15,17,48. However, due to the aggressive nature and large size of mud crabs, the use of anesthesia only at the base of the eyestalk is not sufficient and might result in additional stress to the animals during the injection. On the other hand, anesthesia by subjecting them to a lower water temperature is more economical and safer. The use of cold water for anesthesia in mud crabs is common and has been used in other studies due to its efficiency, simplicity, and minimal impact on recovery and survival37,49,50. In addition, future research on pain assessment following eyestalk ablation on mud crabs is recommended to highlight the change in behaviours associated with pain and stress, as evident in freshwater prawn Macrobrachium americanum51.
Although eyestalk ablation using both cauterization and surgery methods has a minimal effect on crab survival and enhances ovarian maturation, performing eyestalk ablation requires professional mastery of the techniques. The timing between the steps is critical as any delay between protocols adds additional stress for the crabs. Unlike the surgery technique, the cauterization technique is dangerous because it involves the use of flammable equipment (i.e., a blow torch and butane gas). Thus, extra caution is needed when performing the cauterization technique.
Crabs are cannibalistic in nature, and they are known to prey on others that have just completed their molt and are still in their soft-shell conditions7,52,53. Thus, rearing the crabs individually can avoid unnecessary mortality due to cannibalism. The use of individual rearing in mud crab culture is commonly practiced, both in high-density culture and pond culture, for fattening and soft-shell crab farming purposes8,53. This protocol also utilized individual rearing and maintenance. During the transportation of the crabs for rearing or commerce, the crab chelipeds are tied up securely (or even autotomized) to prevent fighting, unnecessary injury, and limb loss34.
The described protocol for eyestalk ablation should be performed with multiple persons. After completing the eyestalk ablation, non-disposable equipment (e.g., the aquarium, tray, towel, etc.) should be disinfected with 30 ppm chlorine. The crabs must be monitored at least twice per day. Any dead crabs, uneaten feed, ablated limbs, or molted crab shells should be swiftly disposed of (i.e., buried in soil with bleaching powder) to prevent any potential for disease spread.
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