Erratum: Eyestalk Ablation to Increase Ovarian Maturation in Mud Crabs

Özet

An erratum was issued for: Eyestalk Ablation to Increase Ovarian Maturation in Mud Crabs. The Introduction, Protocol, Discussion and References were updated.

Özet

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

1. Select sexually mature females with a dark-colored oval-shaped abdominal flap with a CW >86 mm (Figure 1).
2. Catch the crabs with a scoop net, and keep them individually in small aquariums for cold shock anesthesia.
3. Prepare 2 L of 4 °C to 1 °C seawater (20 ppt) in a transparent plastic aquarium. Maintain the temperature using (−20 °C) ice bags for cold shock anesthesia.
   NOTE: Check the temperature with a digital thermometer.
4. Immerse the crab in the 4 °C seawater until sedated (about 3−5 min).
5. Ensure the crabs are fully anesthetized by the lack of spontaneous movement. The legs and chelipeds joints will still show minor movements when touched with forceps.

to:

4. Anesthesia

1. Select sexually mature females with a dark-colored oval-shaped abdominal flap with a CW >86 mm (Figure 1).
2. Catch the crabs with a scoop net, and keep them individually in small aquariums for anesthesia.
3. After 5 min of acclimatization period, add 2-phenoxyethanol (2-PE) at 2 mL/L into each aquarium and allow 15 min of anesthesia treatment.
4. Ensure the crabs are fully anesthetized by the lack of spontaneous movement.

Section 5 of the Protocol has been updated from:

5. Eyestalk ablation

1. Cauterization technique
   1. Perform all procedures on top of a table and in an open area.
   2. Take a flat head nickel-steel metal rod (e.g., a screwdriver) with a wooden or plastic handle, and cover the handle with a wet cotton towel.
   3. Sterilize two stainless surgical forceps in an autoclave.
   4. Prepare 70% ethanol in a spray bottle. Have tissue paper ready for use.
      NOTE: Ethanol is highly flammable. Maintain a safe distance from fire sources.
   5. Connect a blowtorch to a gas cylinder (butane) securely.
      CAUTION: Follow the instructions on the blowtorch and gas cylinder. Make sure that the blowtorch is switched off when connecting with the gas cylinder. Read and follow all the fire safety precautions mentioned on the gas cylinder.
   6. Wear thick cotton gloves to avoid injury from hot objects.
   7. Subject the tip of the metal rod to the fire of the blowtorch until the metal rod is bright red.
   8. Cover the anesthetized (sedated) crab with a wet cotton towel.
      NOTE: Cover all the tentacles of the crab to avoid unnecessary damage.
   9. Hold one eye of the crab with sterilized forceps.
      NOTE: Sterilize the forceps in an autoclave for first-time use, and disinfect using 70% ethanol for subsequent use on other crabs.
   10. Hold the red-hot metal flat tip onto the eye of the crab and press slightly for about 10−15 s until the eyestalk turns an orange or reddish-orange color.
       NOTE: Two people are needed to execute eyestalk ablation following the cauterization method: one to hold the crab and another to perform the ablation procedure.
   11. Disinfect the forceps with 70% ethanol spray to ensure no cross-contamination between crabs.
   12. After performing the eyestalk ablation on all crabs, dip the hot nickel steel metal rod (screwdriver) into tap water.
   13. Disinfect the towel before reuse. Multiple towels can be used to save time.
       NOTE: Wash the towel with tap water, and dip it into 30 ppm chlorinated water for 5 min. Then, wash the towel with tap water again, and dip it in a 1 g/L sodium thiosulphate solution.
   14. Keep the blowtorch in a safe place after turning it off, and wait until it returns to environmental temperature (about 30 min) before disconnecting.
2. Surgery technique
   1. Perform the procedure in a well-ventilated area.
   2. Sterilize two surgical scissors and forceps in an autoclave.
   3. Pour 50 mL of 70% ethanol into a 100 mL glass beaker.
   4. Prepare the tincture of iodine solution in a dropper bottle.
      NOTE: Tincture of iodine (iodine tincture or weak iodine solution) is made up of 2%-7% elemental iodine and potassium iodide, or sodium iodide, dissolved in ethanol and water.
   5. Wear thick cotton gloves.
   6. Hold the sedated crab, and cover it with a wet cotton towel.
   7. Hold one eye of the crab with sterilized forceps.
   8. Swiftly cut off the eyestalk using sterilized surgical scissors.
      NOTE: Hemolymph may be lost from the wounded part of the crab.
   9. Dip the scissors and forceps in 70% ethanol after every use, and dry them using tissue paper before reuse.
   10. Apply two to three drops of iodine tincture to the wounded part of the eyestalk immediately after cutting it off.
       NOTE: Tincture of iodine is used for healing and to prevent infection.

to:

5. Eyestalk ablation

1. Cauterization technique
   1. Perform all procedures on top of a table and in an open area.
   2. Take a flat head nickel-steel metal rod (e.g., a screwdriver) with a wooden or plastic handle, and cover the handle with a wet cotton towel.
   3. Sterilize two stainless surgical forceps in an autoclave.
   4. Prepare 70% ethanol in a spray bottle and keep it away from any fire-related sources, such as blow torch and red hot screwdriver. Have tissue paper ready for use.
      NOTE: Ethanol is highly flammable. Maintain a safe distance from fire sources.
   5. Connect a blowtorch to a gas cylinder (butane) securely.
      CAUTION: Follow the instructions on the blowtorch and gas cylinder. Make sure that the blowtorch is switched off when connecting with the gas cylinder. Read and follow all the fire safety precautions mentioned on the gas cylinder.
   6. Wear thick cotton gloves to avoid injury from hot objects.
   7. Subject the tip of the metal rod to the fire of the blowtorch until the metal rod is bright red.
   8. Cover the anesthetized crab with a wet cotton towel.
      NOTE: Cover the antennae of the crab to avoid unnecessary damage.
   9. Hold one eye of the crab with sterilized forceps.
      NOTE: Sterilize the forceps in an autoclave for first-time use, and disinfect using 70% ethanol for subsequent use on other crabs.
   10. Hold the red-hot metal flat tip onto the eye of the crab and press slightly for about 10−15 s until the eyestalk turns an orange or reddish-orange color. Be careful when conducting this step to avoid damage to adjacent structures. 
       NOTE: Two people are needed to execute eyestalk ablation following the cauterization method: one to hold the crab and another to perform the ablation procedure.
   11. Disinfect the forceps with 70% ethanol spray to ensure no cross-contamination between crabs.
       NOTE: Only perform this step at least waiting for 5 min after the eyestalk ablation procedure to ensure the forceps are cooled down before disinfection using 70% ethanol to prevent potential fire hazards.
   12. After performing the eyestalk ablation on all crabs, dip the hot nickel steel metal rod (screwdriver) into tap water.
   13. Disinfect the towel before reuse. Multiple towels can be used to save time.
       NOTE: Wash the towel with tap water, and dip it into 30 ppm chlorinated water for 5 min. Then, wash the towel with tap water again, and dip it in a 1 g/L sodium thiosulphate solution.
   14. Keep the blowtorch in a safe place after turning it off, and wait until it returns to environmental temperature (about 30 min) before disconnecting.
2. Surgery technique
   1. Perform the procedure in a well-ventilated area.
   2. Sterilize two surgical scissors and forceps in an autoclave.
   3. Pour 50 mL of 70% ethanol into a 100 mL glass beaker.
   4. Wear thick cotton gloves.
   5. Hold the anesthetized crab, and cover it with a wet cotton towel.
   6. Hold one eye of the crab with sterilized forceps.
   7. Swiftly cut off the eyestalk using sterilized surgical scissors.
      NOTE: Hemolymph may be lost from the wounded part of the crab.
   8. Dip the scissors and forceps in 70% ethanol after every use, and dry them using tissue paper before reuse.

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 spawning^11,12,13. Eyestalk ablation in brachyuran crabs has also been done to study molting^25,32,33, hormonal regulation¹⁸, gonad maturation³⁴, and induced breeding and reproductive performance^{35,36,37,38,39}. 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 crabs^25,31. 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 hormones^21,40,41. 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 crabs^18,21. 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 eye^29,30,42. Translucent or creamy white ovarian tissues are indications of immature ovaries^29,30,42,43. 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 stages^29,44. 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 captivity^30,35,45,46.

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 ablation^14,15,17,47. 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 survival^37,48,49.

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 conditions^7,50,51. 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 purposes^8,52. 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 spawning^11,12,13. Eyestalk ablation in brachyuran crabs has also been done to study molting^25,32,33, hormonal regulation¹⁸, gonad maturation³⁴, and induced breeding and reproductive performance^{35,36,37,38,39}. 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 crabs^25,31. 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 hormones^21,41,42. 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 crabs^18,21. 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 eye^29,30,43. Translucent or creamy white ovarian tissues are indications of immature ovaries^29,30,43,44. 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 stages^29,45. 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 captivity^30,35,46,47.

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 ablation^14,15,17,48. 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 survival^37,49,50. 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 conditions^7,52,53. 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 purposes^8,53. 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.

The References have been updated from:

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2. Fazhan, H. et al. Morphological descriptions and morphometric discriminant function analysis reveal an additional four groups of Scylla spp. PeerJ. 8, e8066 (2020).
3. Ikhwanuddin, M., Bachok, Z., Hilmi, M. G., Azmie, G., Zakaria, M. Z. Species diversity, carapace width-body weight relationship, size distribution and sex ratio of mud crab, genus Scylla from Setiu Wetlands of Terengganu coastal waters, Malaysia. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management. 5 (2), 97-109 (2010).
4. Ikhwanuddin, M., Bachok, Z., Mohd Faizal, W. W. Y., Azmie, G., Abol-Munafi, A. B. Size of maturity of mud crab Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796) from mangrove areas of Terengganu coastal waters. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management. 5 (2), 134-147 (2010).
5. Waiho, K. et al. On types of sexual maturity in brachyurans, with special reference to size at the onset of sexual maturity. Journal of Shellfish Research. 36 (3), 807-839 (2017).
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10. Okumura, T. et al. Expression of vitellogenin and cortical rod proteins during induced ovarian development by eyestalk ablation in the kuruma prawn, Marsupenaeus japonicus. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology. 143 (2), 246-253 (2006).
11. Pervaiz, P. A., Jhon, S. M., Sikdar-bar, M. Studies on the effect of unilateral eyestalk ablation in maturation of gonads of a freshwater prawn Macrobrachium dayanum. World Journal of Zoology. 6 (2), 159-163 (2011).
12. Primavera, J. H. Induced maturation and spawning in five-month-old Penaeus monodon Fabricius by eyestalk ablation. Aquaculture. 13 (4), 355-359 (1978).
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17. Taylor, J. Minimizing the effects of stress during eyestalk ablation of Litopenaeus vannamei females with topical anesthetic and a coagulating agent. Aquaculture. 233 (1-4), 173-179 (2004).
18. Wang, M., Ye, H., Miao, L., Li, X. Role of short neuropeptide F in regulating eyestalk neuroendocrine systems in the mud crab Scylla paramamosain. Aquaculture. 560, 738493 (2022).
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21. Kornthong, N. et al. Molecular characterization of a vitellogenesis-inhibiting hormone (VIH) in the mud crab (Scylla olivacea) and temporal changes in abundances of VIH mRNA transcripts during ovarian maturation and following neurotransmitter administration. Animal Reproduction Science. 208, 106122 (2019).
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23. Chen, H.-Y., Kang, B. J., Sultana, Z., Wilder, M. N. Variation of protein kinase C-α expression in eyestalk removal-activated ovaries in whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology. 237 (300), 110552 (2019).
24. Rotllant, G., Nguyen, T. V., Aizen, J., Suwansa-ard, S., Ventura, T. Toward the identification of female gonad-stimulating factors in crustaceans. Hydrobiologia. 825 (1), 91-119 (2018).
25. Supriya, N. T., Sudha, K., Krishnakumar, V., Anilkumar, G. Molt and reproduction enhancement together with hemolymph ecdysteroid elevation under eyestalk ablation in the female fiddler crab, Uca triangularis (Brachyura: Decapoda). Chinese Journal of Oceanology and Limnology. 35 (3), 645-657 (2017).
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27. Arcos, G. F., Ibarra, A. M., Vazquez-Boucard, C., Palacios, E., Racotta, I. S. Haemolymph metabolic variables in relation to eyestalk ablation and gonad development of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei Boone. Aquaculture Research. 34 (9), 749-755 (2003).
28. Desai, U. M., Achuthankutty, C. T. Complete regeneration of ablated eyestalk in penaeid prawn, Penaeus monodon. Current Science. 79 (11), 1602-1603 (2000).
29. Wu, Q. et al. Growth performance and biochemical composition dynamics of ovary, hepatopancreas and muscle tissues at different ovarian maturation stages of female mud crab, Scylla paramamosain. Aquaculture. 515, 734560 (2020).
30. Ghazali, A., Azra, M. N., Noordin, N. M., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Ikhwanuddin, M. Ovarian morphological development and fatty acids profile of mud crab (Scylla olivacea) fed with various diets. Aquaculture. 468 (Part 1), 45-52 (2017).
31. Farhadi, A. et al. The regulatory mechanism of sexual development in decapod crustaceans. Frontiers in Marine Science. 8 (2021).
32. Sukardi, P., Prayogo, N. A., Harisam, T., Sudaryono, A. Effect of eyestalk-ablation and differences salinity in rearing pond on molting speed of Scylla serrata. AIP Conference Proceedings. 2094, 020029 (2019).
33. Stella, V. S., López Greco, L. S., Rodríguez, E. M. Effects of eyestalk ablation at different times of the year on molting and reproduction of the estuarine grapsid crab Chasmagnathus granulata (Decapoda, Brachyura). Journal of Crustacean Biology. 20 (2), 239-244 (2000).
34. Jang, I. K. et al. The effects of manipulating water temperature, photoperiod, and eyestalk ablation on gonad maturation of the swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus.Crustaceana. 83 (2), 129-141 (2010).
35. Millamena, O. M., Quinitio, E. The effects of diets on reproductive performance of eyestalk ablated and intact mud crab Scylla serrata. Aquaculture. 181 (1-2), 81-90 (2000).
36. Zeng, C. Induced out-of-season spawning of the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain (Estampador) and effects of temperature on embryo development. Aquaculture Research. 38 (14), 1478-1485 (2007).
37. Rana, S. Eye stalk ablation of freshwater crab, Barytelphusa lugubris: An alternative approach of hormonal induced breeding. International Journal of Pure and Applied Zoology. 6 (3), 30-34 (2018).
38. Yi, S.-K., Lee, S.-G., Lee, J.-M. Preliminary study of seed production of the Micronesian mud crab Scylla serrata (Crustacea: Portunidae) in Korea. Ocean and Polar Research. 31 (3), 257-264 (2009).
39. Azra, M. N., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Ikhwanuddin, M. A review of broodstock improvement to brachyuran crab: Reproductive performance. International Journal of Aquaculture. 5 (38), 1-10 (2016).
40. Muhd-Farouk, H., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Jasmani, S., Ikhwanuddin, M. Effect of steroid hormones 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone on ovary external morphology of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea. Asian Journal of Cell Biology. 9 (1), 23-28 (2013).
41. Muhd-Farouk, H., Jasmani, S., Ikhwanuddin, M. Effect of vertebrate steroid hormones on the ovarian maturation stages of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796). Aquaculture. 451, 78-86 (2016).
42. Ghazali, A., Mat Noordin, N., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Azra, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. Ovarian maturation stages of wild and captive mud crab, Scylla olivacea fed with two diets. Sains Malaysiana. 46 (12), 2273-2280 (2017).
43. Aaqillah-Amr, M. A., Hidir, A., Noordiyana, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. Morphological, biochemical and histological analysis of mud crab ovary and hepatopancreas at different stages of development. Animal Reproduction Science. 195, 274-283 (2018).
44. Amin-Safwan, A., Muhd-Farouk, H., Mardhiyyah, M. P., Nadirah, M., Ikhwanuddin, M. Does water salinity affect the level of 17β-estradiol and ovarian physiology of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796) in captivity? Journal of King Saud University - Science. 31 (4), 827-835 (2019).
45. Wu, X. et al. Effect of dietary supplementation of phospholipids and highly unsaturated fatty acids on reproductive performance and offspring quality of Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis (H. Milne-Edwards), female broodstock. Aquaculture. 273 (4), 602-613 (2007).
46. Azra, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. A review of maturation diets for mud crab genus Scylla broodstock: Present research, problems and future perspective. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. 23 (2), 257-267 (2016).
47. Maschio Rodrigues, M., López Greco, L. S., de Almeida, L. C. F., Bertini, G. Reproductive performance of Macrobrachium acanthurus (Crustacea, Palaemonidae) females subjected to unilateral eyestalk ablation. Acta Zoologica. 103 (3), 326-334 (2022).
48. Zhang, C. et al. Changes in bud morphology, growth-related genes and nutritional status during cheliped regeneration in the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. PLoS One. 13 (12), e0209617 (2018).
49. Zhang, C. et al. Hemolymph transcriptome analysis of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) with intact, left cheliped autotomy and bilateral eyestalk ablation. Fish & Shellfish Immunology. 81, 266-275 (2018).
50. Mirera, D. O., Moksnes, P. O. Comparative performance of wild juvenile mud crab (Scylla serrata) in different culture systems in East Africa: Effect of shelter, crab size and stocking density. Aquaculture International. 23 (1), 155-173 (2015).
51. Ut, V. N., Le Vay, L., Nghia, T. T., Hong Hanh, T. T. Development of nursery cultures for the mud crab Scylla paramamosain (Estampador). Aquaculture Research. 38 (14), 1563-1568 (2007).
52. Fazhan, H. et al. Limb loss and feeding ability in the juvenile mud crab Scylla olivacea: Implications of limb autotomy for aquaculture practice. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 247, 105553 (2022).

to:

1. Keenan, C. P., Davie, P. J. F., Mann, D. L. A revision of the genus Scylla de Haan, 1833 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 46 (1), 217-245 (1998).
2. Fazhan, H. et al. Morphological descriptions and morphometric discriminant function analysis reveal an additional four groups of Scylla spp. PeerJ. 8, e8066 (2020).
3. Ikhwanuddin, M., Bachok, Z., Hilmi, M. G., Azmie, G., Zakaria, M. Z. Species diversity, carapace width-body weight relationship, size distribution and sex ratio of mud crab, genus Scylla from Setiu Wetlands of Terengganu coastal waters, Malaysia. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management. 5 (2), 97-109 (2010).
4. Ikhwanuddin, M., Bachok, Z., Mohd Faizal, W. W. Y., Azmie, G., Abol-Munafi, A. B. Size of maturity of mud crab Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796) from mangrove areas of Terengganu coastal waters. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management. 5 (2), 134-147 (2010).
5. Waiho, K. et al. On types of sexual maturity in brachyurans, with special reference to size at the onset of sexual maturity. Journal of Shellfish Research. 36 (3), 807-839 (2017).
6. Mykles, D. L., Chang, E. S. Hormonal control of the crustacean molting gland: Insights from transcriptomics and proteomics. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 294, 113493 (2020).
7. Fujaya, Y. et al. Is limb autotomy really efficient compared to traditional rearing in soft-shell crab (Scylla olivacea) production? Aquaculture Reports. 18, 100432 (2020).
8. Waiho, K. et al. Moult induction methods in soft-shell crab production. Aquaculture Research. 52 (9), 4026-4042 (2021).
9. Rahman, M. R. et al. Evaluation of limb autotomy as a promising strategy to improve production performances of mud crab (Scylla olivacea) in the soft-shell farming system. Aquaculture Research. 51 (6), 2555-2572 (2020).
10. Okumura, T. et al. Expression of vitellogenin and cortical rod proteins during induced ovarian development by eyestalk ablation in the kuruma prawn, Marsupenaeus japonicus. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology. 143 (2), 246-253 (2006).
11. Pervaiz, P. A., Jhon, S. M., Sikdar-bar, M. Studies on the effect of unilateral eyestalk ablation in maturation of gonads of a freshwater prawn Macrobrachium dayanum. World Journal of Zoology. 6 (2), 159-163 (2011).
12. Primavera, J. H. Induced maturation and spawning in five-month-old Penaeus monodon Fabricius by eyestalk ablation. Aquaculture. 13 (4), 355-359 (1978).
13. Shyne Anand, P. S. et al. Reproductive performance of wild brooders of Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus: Potential and challenges for selective breeding program. Journal of Coastal Research. 86 (sp1), 65 (2019).
14. Diarte-Plata, G. et al. Eyestalk ablation procedures to minimize pain in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium americanum. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 140 (3-4), 172-178 (2012).
15. Vargas-Téllez, I. et al. Impact of unilateral eyestalk ablation on Callinectes arcuatus (Ordway, 1863) under laboratory conditions: Behavioral evaluation. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research. 49 (4), 576-594 (2021).
16. Chu, K. H., Chow, W. K. Effects of unilateral versus bilateral eyestalk ablation on molting and growth of the shrimp, Penaeus chinensis (Osbeck, 1765) (Decapoda, Penaeidea). Crustaceana. 62 (3), 225-233 (1992).
17. Taylor, J. Minimizing the effects of stress during eyestalk ablation of Litopenaeus vannamei females with topical anesthetic and a coagulating agent. Aquaculture. 233 (1-4), 173-179 (2004).
18. Wang, M., Ye, H., Miao, L., Li, X. Role of short neuropeptide F in regulating eyestalk neuroendocrine systems in the mud crab Scylla paramamosain. Aquaculture. 560, 738493 (2022).
19. Nagaraju, G. P. C. Reproductive regulators in decapod crustaceans: an overview. Journal of Experimental Biology. 214 (1), 3-16 (2011).
20. Kornthong, N. et al. Characterization of red pigment concentrating hormone (RPCH) in the female mud crab (Scylla olivacea) and the effect of 5-HT on its expression. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 185, 28-36 (2013).
21. Kornthong, N. et al. Molecular characterization of a vitellogenesis-inhibiting hormone (VIH) in the mud crab (Scylla olivacea) and temporal changes in abundances of VIH mRNA transcripts during ovarian maturation and following neurotransmitter administration. Animal Reproduction Science. 208, 106122 (2019).
22. Liu, C. et al. VIH from the mud crab is specifically expressed in the eyestalk and potentially regulated by transactivator of Sox9/Oct4/Oct1. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 255, 1-11 (2018).
23. Chen, H.-Y., Kang, B. J., Sultana, Z., Wilder, M. N. Variation of protein kinase C-α expression in eyestalk removal-activated ovaries in whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology. 237 (300), 110552 (2019).
24. Rotllant, G., Nguyen, T. V., Aizen, J., Suwansa-ard, S., Ventura, T. Toward the identification of female gonad-stimulating factors in crustaceans. Hydrobiologia. 825 (1), 91-119 (2018).
25. Supriya, N. T., Sudha, K., Krishnakumar, V., Anilkumar, G. Molt and reproduction enhancement together with hemolymph ecdysteroid elevation under eyestalk ablation in the female fiddler crab, Uca triangularis (Brachyura: Decapoda). Chinese Journal of Oceanology and Limnology. 35 (3), 645-657 (2017).
26. Wilder, M. N. Advances in the science of crustacean reproductive physiology and potential applications to new seed production technology. Journal of Coastal Research. 86 (sp1), 6-10 (2019).
27. Arcos, G. F., Ibarra, A. M., Vazquez-Boucard, C., Palacios, E., Racotta, I. S. Haemolymph metabolic variables in relation to eyestalk ablation and gonad development of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei Boone. Aquaculture Research. 34 (9), 749-755 (2003).
28. Desai, U. M., Achuthankutty, C. T. Complete regeneration of ablated eyestalk in penaeid prawn, Penaeus monodon. Current Science. 79 (11), 1602-1603 (2000).
29. Wu, Q. et al. Growth performance and biochemical composition dynamics of ovary, hepatopancreas and muscle tissues at different ovarian maturation stages of female mud crab, Scylla paramamosain. Aquaculture. 515, 734560 (2020).
30. Ghazali, A., Azra, M. N., Noordin, N. M., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Ikhwanuddin, M. Ovarian morphological development and fatty acids profile of mud crab (Scylla olivacea) fed with various diets. Aquaculture. 468 (Part 1), 45-52 (2017).
31. Farhadi, A. et al. The regulatory mechanism of sexual development in decapod crustaceans. Frontiers in Marine Science. 8 (2021).
32. Sukardi, P., Prayogo, N. A., Harisam, T., Sudaryono, A. Effect of eyestalk-ablation and differences salinity in rearing pond on molting speed of Scylla serrata. AIP Conference Proceedings. 2094, 020029 (2019).
33. Stella, V. S., López Greco, L. S., Rodríguez, E. M. Effects of eyestalk ablation at different times of the year on molting and reproduction of the estuarine grapsid crab Chasmagnathus granulata (Decapoda, Brachyura). Journal of Crustacean Biology. 20 (2), 239-244 (2000).
34. Jang, I. K. et al. The effects of manipulating water temperature, photoperiod, and eyestalk ablation on gonad maturation of the swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus.Crustaceana. 83 (2), 129-141 (2010).
35. Millamena, O. M., Quinitio, E. The effects of diets on reproductive performance of eyestalk ablated and intact mud crab Scylla serrata. Aquaculture. 181 (1-2), 81-90 (2000).
36. Zeng, C. Induced out-of-season spawning of the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain (Estampador) and effects of temperature on embryo development. Aquaculture Research. 38 (14), 1478-1485 (2007).
37. Rana, S. Eye stalk ablation of freshwater crab, Barytelphusa lugubris: An alternative approach of hormonal induced breeding. International Journal of Pure and Applied Zoology. 6 (3), 30-34 (2018).
38. Yi, S.-K., Lee, S.-G., Lee, J.-M. Preliminary study of seed production of the Micronesian mud crab Scylla serrata (Crustacea: Portunidae) in Korea. Ocean and Polar Research. 31 (3), 257-264 (2009).
39. Azra, M. N., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Ikhwanuddin, M. A review of broodstock improvement to brachyuran crab: Reproductive performance. International Journal of Aquaculture. 5 (38), 1-10 (2016).
40.  Archibald, K. E., Scott, G. N., Bailey, K. M., Harms, C. A. 2-phenoxyethanol (2-PE) and tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) immersion anesthesia of American horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 50 (1), 96-106 (2019).
41. Muhd-Farouk, H., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Jasmani, S., Ikhwanuddin, M. Effect of steroid hormones 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone on ovary external morphology of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea. Asian Journal of Cell Biology. 9 (1), 23-28 (2013).
42. Muhd-Farouk, H., Jasmani, S., Ikhwanuddin, M. Effect of vertebrate steroid hormones on the ovarian maturation stages of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796). Aquaculture. 451, 78-86 (2016).
43. Ghazali, A., Mat Noordin, N., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Azra, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. Ovarian maturation stages of wild and captive mud crab, Scylla olivacea fed with two diets. Sains Malaysiana. 46 (12), 2273-2280 (2017).
44. Aaqillah-Amr, M. A., Hidir, A., Noordiyana, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. Morphological, biochemical and histological analysis of mud crab ovary and hepatopancreas at different stages of development. Animal Reproduction Science. 195, 274-283 (2018).
45. Amin-Safwan, A., Muhd-Farouk, H., Mardhiyyah, M. P., Nadirah, M., Ikhwanuddin, M. Does water salinity affect the level of 17β-estradiol and ovarian physiology of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796) in captivity? Journal of King Saud University - Science. 31 (4), 827-835 (2019).
46. Wu, X. et al. Effect of dietary supplementation of phospholipids and highly unsaturated fatty acids on reproductive performance and offspring quality of Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis (H. Milne-Edwards), female broodstock. Aquaculture. 273 (4), 602-613 (2007).
47. Azra, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. A review of maturation diets for mud crab genus Scylla broodstock: Present research, problems and future perspective. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. 23 (2), 257-267 (2016).
48. Maschio Rodrigues, M., López Greco, L. S., de Almeida, L. C. F., Bertini, G. Reproductive performance of Macrobrachium acanthurus (Crustacea, Palaemonidae) females subjected to unilateral eyestalk ablation. Acta Zoologica. 103 (3), 326-334 (2022).
49. Zhang, C. et al. Changes in bud morphology, growth-related genes and nutritional status during cheliped regeneration in the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. PLoS One. 13 (12), e0209617 (2018).
50. Zhang, C. et al. Hemolymph transcriptome analysis of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) with intact, left cheliped autotomy and bilateral eyestalk ablation. Fish & Shellfish Immunology. 81, 266-275 (2018).
51. Diarte-Plata, G., Sainz-Hernandez, J. C., Aguiñaga-Cruz, J. A., Fierro-Coronado, J. A., Polanco-Torres, A., Puente-Palazuelos, C. Eyestalk ablation procedures to minimize pain in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium americanum. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 140 (3-4), 172-178 (2012). 
52. Mirera, D. O., Moksnes, P. O. Comparative performance of wild juvenile mud crab (Scylla serrata) in different culture systems in East Africa: Effect of shelter, crab size and stocking density. Aquaculture International. 23 (1), 155-173 (2015).
53. Ut, V. N., Le Vay, L., Nghia, T. T., Hong Hanh, T. T. Development of nursery cultures for the mud crab Scylla paramamosain (Estampador). Aquaculture Research. 38 (14), 1563-1568 (2007).
54. Fazhan, H. et al. Limb loss and feeding ability in the juvenile mud crab Scylla olivacea: Implications of limb autotomy for aquaculture practice. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 247, 105553 (2022).

Protokol

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

1. Select sexually mature females with a dark-colored oval-shaped abdominal flap with a CW >86 mm (Figure 1).
2. Catch the crabs with a scoop net, and keep them individually in small aquariums for cold shock anesthesia.
3. Prepare 2 L of 4 °C to 1 °C seawater (20 ppt) in a transparent plastic aquarium. Maintain the temperature using (−20 °C) ice bags for cold shock anesthesia.
   NOTE: Check the temperature with a digital thermometer.
4. Immerse the crab in the 4 °C seawater until sedated (about 3−5 min).
5. Ensure the crabs are fully anesthetized by the lack of spontaneous movement. The legs and chelipeds joints will still show minor movements when touched with forceps.

to:

4. Anesthesia

1. Select sexually mature females with a dark-colored oval-shaped abdominal flap with a CW >86 mm (Figure 1).
2. Catch the crabs with a scoop net, and keep them individually in small aquariums for anesthesia.
3. After 5 min of acclimatization period, add 2-phenoxyethanol (2-PE) at 2 mL/L into each aquarium and allow 15 min of anesthesia treatment.
4. Ensure the crabs are fully anesthetized by the lack of spontaneous movement.

Section 5 of the Protocol has been updated from:

5. Eyestalk ablation

1. Cauterization technique
   1. Perform all procedures on top of a table and in an open area.
   2. Take a flat head nickel-steel metal rod (e.g., a screwdriver) with a wooden or plastic handle, and cover the handle with a wet cotton towel.
   3. Sterilize two stainless surgical forceps in an autoclave.
   4. Prepare 70% ethanol in a spray bottle. Have tissue paper ready for use.
      NOTE: Ethanol is highly flammable. Maintain a safe distance from fire sources.
   5. Connect a blowtorch to a gas cylinder (butane) securely.
      CAUTION: Follow the instructions on the blowtorch and gas cylinder. Make sure that the blowtorch is switched off when connecting with the gas cylinder. Read and follow all the fire safety precautions mentioned on the gas cylinder.
   6. Wear thick cotton gloves to avoid injury from hot objects.
   7. Subject the tip of the metal rod to the fire of the blowtorch until the metal rod is bright red.
   8. Cover the anesthetized (sedated) crab with a wet cotton towel.
      NOTE: Cover all the tentacles of the crab to avoid unnecessary damage.
   9. Hold one eye of the crab with sterilized forceps.
      NOTE: Sterilize the forceps in an autoclave for first-time use, and disinfect using 70% ethanol for subsequent use on other crabs.
   10. Hold the red-hot metal flat tip onto the eye of the crab and press slightly for about 10−15 s until the eyestalk turns an orange or reddish-orange color.
       NOTE: Two people are needed to execute eyestalk ablation following the cauterization method: one to hold the crab and another to perform the ablation procedure.
   11. Disinfect the forceps with 70% ethanol spray to ensure no cross-contamination between crabs.
   12. After performing the eyestalk ablation on all crabs, dip the hot nickel steel metal rod (screwdriver) into tap water.
   13. Disinfect the towel before reuse. Multiple towels can be used to save time.
       NOTE: Wash the towel with tap water, and dip it into 30 ppm chlorinated water for 5 min. Then, wash the towel with tap water again, and dip it in a 1 g/L sodium thiosulphate solution.
   14. Keep the blowtorch in a safe place after turning it off, and wait until it returns to environmental temperature (about 30 min) before disconnecting.
2. Surgery technique
   1. Perform the procedure in a well-ventilated area.
   2. Sterilize two surgical scissors and forceps in an autoclave.
   3. Pour 50 mL of 70% ethanol into a 100 mL glass beaker.
   4. Prepare the tincture of iodine solution in a dropper bottle.
      NOTE: Tincture of iodine (iodine tincture or weak iodine solution) is made up of 2%-7% elemental iodine and potassium iodide, or sodium iodide, dissolved in ethanol and water.
   5. Wear thick cotton gloves.
   6. Hold the sedated crab, and cover it with a wet cotton towel.
   7. Hold one eye of the crab with sterilized forceps.
   8. Swiftly cut off the eyestalk using sterilized surgical scissors.
      NOTE: Hemolymph may be lost from the wounded part of the crab.
   9. Dip the scissors and forceps in 70% ethanol after every use, and dry them using tissue paper before reuse.
   10. Apply two to three drops of iodine tincture to the wounded part of the eyestalk immediately after cutting it off.
       NOTE: Tincture of iodine is used for healing and to prevent infection.

to:

5. Eyestalk ablation

1. Cauterization technique
   1. Perform all procedures on top of a table and in an open area.
   2. Take a flat head nickel-steel metal rod (e.g., a screwdriver) with a wooden or plastic handle, and cover the handle with a wet cotton towel.
   3. Sterilize two stainless surgical forceps in an autoclave.
   4. Prepare 70% ethanol in a spray bottle and keep it away from any fire-related sources, such as blow torch and red hot screwdriver. Have tissue paper ready for use.
      NOTE: Ethanol is highly flammable. Maintain a safe distance from fire sources.
   5. Connect a blowtorch to a gas cylinder (butane) securely.
      CAUTION: Follow the instructions on the blowtorch and gas cylinder. Make sure that the blowtorch is switched off when connecting with the gas cylinder. Read and follow all the fire safety precautions mentioned on the gas cylinder.
   6. Wear thick cotton gloves to avoid injury from hot objects.
   7. Subject the tip of the metal rod to the fire of the blowtorch until the metal rod is bright red.
   8. Cover the anesthetized crab with a wet cotton towel.
      NOTE: Cover the antennae of the crab to avoid unnecessary damage.
   9. Hold one eye of the crab with sterilized forceps.
      NOTE: Sterilize the forceps in an autoclave for first-time use, and disinfect using 70% ethanol for subsequent use on other crabs.
   10. Hold the red-hot metal flat tip onto the eye of the crab and press slightly for about 10−15 s until the eyestalk turns an orange or reddish-orange color. Be careful when conducting this step to avoid damage to adjacent structures. 
       NOTE: Two people are needed to execute eyestalk ablation following the cauterization method: one to hold the crab and another to perform the ablation procedure.
   11. Disinfect the forceps with 70% ethanol spray to ensure no cross-contamination between crabs.
       NOTE: Only perform this step at least waiting for 5 min after the eyestalk ablation procedure to ensure the forceps are cooled down before disinfection using 70% ethanol to prevent potential fire hazards.
   12. After performing the eyestalk ablation on all crabs, dip the hot nickel steel metal rod (screwdriver) into tap water.
   13. Disinfect the towel before reuse. Multiple towels can be used to save time.
       NOTE: Wash the towel with tap water, and dip it into 30 ppm chlorinated water for 5 min. Then, wash the towel with tap water again, and dip it in a 1 g/L sodium thiosulphate solution.
   14. Keep the blowtorch in a safe place after turning it off, and wait until it returns to environmental temperature (about 30 min) before disconnecting.
2. Surgery technique
   1. Perform the procedure in a well-ventilated area.
   2. Sterilize two surgical scissors and forceps in an autoclave.
   3. Pour 50 mL of 70% ethanol into a 100 mL glass beaker.
   4. Wear thick cotton gloves.
   5. Hold the anesthetized crab, and cover it with a wet cotton towel.
   6. Hold one eye of the crab with sterilized forceps.
   7. Swiftly cut off the eyestalk using sterilized surgical scissors.
      NOTE: Hemolymph may be lost from the wounded part of the crab.
   8. Dip the scissors and forceps in 70% ethanol after every use, and dry them using tissue paper before reuse.

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 spawning^11,12,13. Eyestalk ablation in brachyuran crabs has also been done to study molting^25,32,33, hormonal regulation¹⁸, gonad maturation³⁴, and induced breeding and reproductive performance^{35,36,37,38,39}. 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 crabs^25,31. 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 hormones^21,40,41. 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 crabs^18,21. 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 eye^29,30,42. Translucent or creamy white ovarian tissues are indications of immature ovaries^29,30,42,43. 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 stages^29,44. 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 captivity^30,35,45,46.

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 ablation^14,15,17,47. 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 survival^37,48,49.

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 conditions^7,50,51. 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 purposes^8,52. 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 spawning^11,12,13. Eyestalk ablation in brachyuran crabs has also been done to study molting^25,32,33, hormonal regulation¹⁸, gonad maturation³⁴, and induced breeding and reproductive performance^{35,36,37,38,39}. 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 crabs^25,31. 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 hormones^21,41,42. 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 crabs^18,21. 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 eye^29,30,43. Translucent or creamy white ovarian tissues are indications of immature ovaries^29,30,43,44. 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 stages^29,45. 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 captivity^30,35,46,47.

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 ablation^14,15,17,48. 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 survival^37,49,50. 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 conditions^7,52,53. 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 purposes^8,53. 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.

The References have been updated from:

1. Keenan, C. P., Davie, P. J. F., Mann, D. L. A revision of the genus Scylla de Haan, 1833 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 46 (1), 217-245 (1998).
2. Fazhan, H. et al. Morphological descriptions and morphometric discriminant function analysis reveal an additional four groups of Scylla spp. PeerJ. 8, e8066 (2020).
3. Ikhwanuddin, M., Bachok, Z., Hilmi, M. G., Azmie, G., Zakaria, M. Z. Species diversity, carapace width-body weight relationship, size distribution and sex ratio of mud crab, genus Scylla from Setiu Wetlands of Terengganu coastal waters, Malaysia. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management. 5 (2), 97-109 (2010).
4. Ikhwanuddin, M., Bachok, Z., Mohd Faizal, W. W. Y., Azmie, G., Abol-Munafi, A. B. Size of maturity of mud crab Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796) from mangrove areas of Terengganu coastal waters. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management. 5 (2), 134-147 (2010).
5. Waiho, K. et al. On types of sexual maturity in brachyurans, with special reference to size at the onset of sexual maturity. Journal of Shellfish Research. 36 (3), 807-839 (2017).
6. Mykles, D. L., Chang, E. S. Hormonal control of the crustacean molting gland: Insights from transcriptomics and proteomics. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 294, 113493 (2020).
7. Fujaya, Y. et al. Is limb autotomy really efficient compared to traditional rearing in soft-shell crab (Scylla olivacea) production? Aquaculture Reports. 18, 100432 (2020).
8. Waiho, K. et al. Moult induction methods in soft-shell crab production. Aquaculture Research. 52 (9), 4026-4042 (2021).
9. Rahman, M. R. et al. Evaluation of limb autotomy as a promising strategy to improve production performances of mud crab (Scylla olivacea) in the soft-shell farming system. Aquaculture Research. 51 (6), 2555-2572 (2020).
10. Okumura, T. et al. Expression of vitellogenin and cortical rod proteins during induced ovarian development by eyestalk ablation in the kuruma prawn, Marsupenaeus japonicus. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology. 143 (2), 246-253 (2006).
11. Pervaiz, P. A., Jhon, S. M., Sikdar-bar, M. Studies on the effect of unilateral eyestalk ablation in maturation of gonads of a freshwater prawn Macrobrachium dayanum. World Journal of Zoology. 6 (2), 159-163 (2011).
12. Primavera, J. H. Induced maturation and spawning in five-month-old Penaeus monodon Fabricius by eyestalk ablation. Aquaculture. 13 (4), 355-359 (1978).
13. Shyne Anand, P. S. et al. Reproductive performance of wild brooders of Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus: Potential and challenges for selective breeding program. Journal of Coastal Research. 86 (sp1), 65 (2019).
14. Diarte-Plata, G. et al. Eyestalk ablation procedures to minimize pain in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium americanum. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 140 (3-4), 172-178 (2012).
15. Vargas-Téllez, I. et al. Impact of unilateral eyestalk ablation on Callinectes arcuatus (Ordway, 1863) under laboratory conditions: Behavioral evaluation. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research. 49 (4), 576-594 (2021).
16. Chu, K. H., Chow, W. K. Effects of unilateral versus bilateral eyestalk ablation on molting and growth of the shrimp, Penaeus chinensis (Osbeck, 1765) (Decapoda, Penaeidea). Crustaceana. 62 (3), 225-233 (1992).
17. Taylor, J. Minimizing the effects of stress during eyestalk ablation of Litopenaeus vannamei females with topical anesthetic and a coagulating agent. Aquaculture. 233 (1-4), 173-179 (2004).
18. Wang, M., Ye, H., Miao, L., Li, X. Role of short neuropeptide F in regulating eyestalk neuroendocrine systems in the mud crab Scylla paramamosain. Aquaculture. 560, 738493 (2022).
19. Nagaraju, G. P. C. Reproductive regulators in decapod crustaceans: an overview. Journal of Experimental Biology. 214 (1), 3-16 (2011).
20. Kornthong, N. et al. Characterization of red pigment concentrating hormone (RPCH) in the female mud crab (Scylla olivacea) and the effect of 5-HT on its expression. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 185, 28-36 (2013).
21. Kornthong, N. et al. Molecular characterization of a vitellogenesis-inhibiting hormone (VIH) in the mud crab (Scylla olivacea) and temporal changes in abundances of VIH mRNA transcripts during ovarian maturation and following neurotransmitter administration. Animal Reproduction Science. 208, 106122 (2019).
22. Liu, C. et al. VIH from the mud crab is specifically expressed in the eyestalk and potentially regulated by transactivator of Sox9/Oct4/Oct1. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 255, 1-11 (2018).
23. Chen, H.-Y., Kang, B. J., Sultana, Z., Wilder, M. N. Variation of protein kinase C-α expression in eyestalk removal-activated ovaries in whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology. 237 (300), 110552 (2019).
24. Rotllant, G., Nguyen, T. V., Aizen, J., Suwansa-ard, S., Ventura, T. Toward the identification of female gonad-stimulating factors in crustaceans. Hydrobiologia. 825 (1), 91-119 (2018).
25. Supriya, N. T., Sudha, K., Krishnakumar, V., Anilkumar, G. Molt and reproduction enhancement together with hemolymph ecdysteroid elevation under eyestalk ablation in the female fiddler crab, Uca triangularis (Brachyura: Decapoda). Chinese Journal of Oceanology and Limnology. 35 (3), 645-657 (2017).
26. Wilder, M. N. Advances in the science of crustacean reproductive physiology and potential applications to new seed production technology. Journal of Coastal Research. 86 (sp1), 6-10 (2019).
27. Arcos, G. F., Ibarra, A. M., Vazquez-Boucard, C., Palacios, E., Racotta, I. S. Haemolymph metabolic variables in relation to eyestalk ablation and gonad development of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei Boone. Aquaculture Research. 34 (9), 749-755 (2003).
28. Desai, U. M., Achuthankutty, C. T. Complete regeneration of ablated eyestalk in penaeid prawn, Penaeus monodon. Current Science. 79 (11), 1602-1603 (2000).
29. Wu, Q. et al. Growth performance and biochemical composition dynamics of ovary, hepatopancreas and muscle tissues at different ovarian maturation stages of female mud crab, Scylla paramamosain. Aquaculture. 515, 734560 (2020).
30. Ghazali, A., Azra, M. N., Noordin, N. M., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Ikhwanuddin, M. Ovarian morphological development and fatty acids profile of mud crab (Scylla olivacea) fed with various diets. Aquaculture. 468 (Part 1), 45-52 (2017).
31. Farhadi, A. et al. The regulatory mechanism of sexual development in decapod crustaceans. Frontiers in Marine Science. 8 (2021).
32. Sukardi, P., Prayogo, N. A., Harisam, T., Sudaryono, A. Effect of eyestalk-ablation and differences salinity in rearing pond on molting speed of Scylla serrata. AIP Conference Proceedings. 2094, 020029 (2019).
33. Stella, V. S., López Greco, L. S., Rodríguez, E. M. Effects of eyestalk ablation at different times of the year on molting and reproduction of the estuarine grapsid crab Chasmagnathus granulata (Decapoda, Brachyura). Journal of Crustacean Biology. 20 (2), 239-244 (2000).
34. Jang, I. K. et al. The effects of manipulating water temperature, photoperiod, and eyestalk ablation on gonad maturation of the swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus.Crustaceana. 83 (2), 129-141 (2010).
35. Millamena, O. M., Quinitio, E. The effects of diets on reproductive performance of eyestalk ablated and intact mud crab Scylla serrata. Aquaculture. 181 (1-2), 81-90 (2000).
36. Zeng, C. Induced out-of-season spawning of the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain (Estampador) and effects of temperature on embryo development. Aquaculture Research. 38 (14), 1478-1485 (2007).
37. Rana, S. Eye stalk ablation of freshwater crab, Barytelphusa lugubris: An alternative approach of hormonal induced breeding. International Journal of Pure and Applied Zoology. 6 (3), 30-34 (2018).
38. Yi, S.-K., Lee, S.-G., Lee, J.-M. Preliminary study of seed production of the Micronesian mud crab Scylla serrata (Crustacea: Portunidae) in Korea. Ocean and Polar Research. 31 (3), 257-264 (2009).
39. Azra, M. N., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Ikhwanuddin, M. A review of broodstock improvement to brachyuran crab: Reproductive performance. International Journal of Aquaculture. 5 (38), 1-10 (2016).
40. Muhd-Farouk, H., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Jasmani, S., Ikhwanuddin, M. Effect of steroid hormones 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone on ovary external morphology of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea. Asian Journal of Cell Biology. 9 (1), 23-28 (2013).
41. Muhd-Farouk, H., Jasmani, S., Ikhwanuddin, M. Effect of vertebrate steroid hormones on the ovarian maturation stages of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796). Aquaculture. 451, 78-86 (2016).
42. Ghazali, A., Mat Noordin, N., Abol-Munafi, A. B., Azra, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. Ovarian maturation stages of wild and captive mud crab, Scylla olivacea fed with two diets. Sains Malaysiana. 46 (12), 2273-2280 (2017).
43. Aaqillah-Amr, M. A., Hidir, A., Noordiyana, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. Morphological, biochemical and histological analysis of mud crab ovary and hepatopancreas at different stages of development. Animal Reproduction Science. 195, 274-283 (2018).
44. Amin-Safwan, A., Muhd-Farouk, H., Mardhiyyah, M. P., Nadirah, M., Ikhwanuddin, M. Does water salinity affect the level of 17β-estradiol and ovarian physiology of orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796) in captivity? Journal of King Saud University - Science. 31 (4), 827-835 (2019).
45. Wu, X. et al. Effect of dietary supplementation of phospholipids and highly unsaturated fatty acids on reproductive performance and offspring quality of Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis (H. Milne-Edwards), female broodstock. Aquaculture. 273 (4), 602-613 (2007).
46. Azra, M. N., Ikhwanuddin, M. A review of maturation diets for mud crab genus Scylla broodstock: Present research, problems and future perspective. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. 23 (2), 257-267 (2016).
47. Maschio Rodrigues, M., López Greco, L. S., de Almeida, L. C. F., Bertini, G. Reproductive performance of Macrobrachium acanthurus (Crustacea, Palaemonidae) females subjected to unilateral eyestalk ablation. Acta Zoologica. 103 (3), 326-334 (2022).
48. Zhang, C. et al. Changes in bud morphology, growth-related genes and nutritional status during cheliped regeneration in the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. PLoS One. 13 (12), e0209617 (2018).
49. Zhang, C. et al. Hemolymph transcriptome analysis of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) with intact, left cheliped autotomy and bilateral eyestalk ablation. Fish & Shellfish Immunology. 81, 266-275 (2018).
50. Mirera, D. O., Moksnes, P. O. Comparative performance of wild juvenile mud crab (Scylla serrata) in different culture systems in East Africa: Effect of shelter, crab size and stocking density. Aquaculture International. 23 (1), 155-173 (2015).
51. Ut, V. N., Le Vay, L., Nghia, T. T., Hong Hanh, T. T. Development of nursery cultures for the mud crab Scylla paramamosain (Estampador). Aquaculture Research. 38 (14), 1563-1568 (2007).
52. Fazhan, H. et al. Limb loss and feeding ability in the juvenile mud crab Scylla olivacea: Implications of limb autotomy for aquaculture practice. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 247, 105553 (2022).

to:

1. Keenan, C. P., Davie, P. J. F., Mann, D. L. A revision of the genus Scylla de Haan, 1833 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 46 (1), 217-245 (1998).
2. Fazhan, H. et al. Morphological descriptions and morphometric discriminant function analysis reveal an additional four groups of Scylla spp. PeerJ. 8, e8066 (2020).
3. Ikhwanuddin, M., Bachok, Z., Hilmi, M. G., Azmie, G., Zakaria, M. Z. Species diversity, carapace width-body weight relationship, size distribution and sex ratio of mud crab, genus Scylla from Setiu Wetlands of Terengganu coastal waters, Malaysia. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management. 5 (2), 97-109 (2010).
4. Ikhwanuddin, M., Bachok, Z., Mohd Faizal, W. W. Y., Azmie, G., Abol-Munafi, A. B. Size of maturity of mud crab Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796) from mangrove areas of Terengganu coastal waters. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management. 5 (2), 134-147 (2010).
5. Waiho, K. et al. On types of sexual maturity in brachyurans, with special reference to size at the onset of sexual maturity. Journal of Shellfish Research. 36 (3), 807-839 (2017).
6. Mykles, D. L., Chang, E. S. Hormonal control of the crustacean molting gland: Insights from transcriptomics and proteomics. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 294, 113493 (2020).
7. Fujaya, Y. et al. Is limb autotomy really efficient compared to traditional rearing in soft-shell crab (Scylla olivacea) production? Aquaculture Reports. 18, 100432 (2020).
8. Waiho, K. et al. Moult induction methods in soft-shell crab production. Aquaculture Research. 52 (9), 4026-4042 (2021).
9. Rahman, M. R. et al. Evaluation of limb autotomy as a promising strategy to improve production performances of mud crab (Scylla olivacea) in the soft-shell farming system. Aquaculture Research. 51 (6), 2555-2572 (2020).
10. Okumura, T. et al. Expression of vitellogenin and cortical rod proteins during induced ovarian development by eyestalk ablation in the kuruma prawn, Marsupenaeus japonicus. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology. 143 (2), 246-253 (2006).
11. Pervaiz, P. A., Jhon, S. M., Sikdar-bar, M. Studies on the effect of unilateral eyestalk ablation in maturation of gonads of a freshwater prawn Macrobrachium dayanum. World Journal of Zoology. 6 (2), 159-163 (2011).
12. Primavera, J. H. Induced maturation and spawning in five-month-old Penaeus monodon Fabricius by eyestalk ablation. Aquaculture. 13 (4), 355-359 (1978).
13. Shyne Anand, P. S. et al. Reproductive performance of wild brooders of Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus: Potential and challenges for selective breeding program. Journal of Coastal Research. 86 (sp1), 65 (2019).
14. Diarte-Plata, G. et al. Eyestalk ablation procedures to minimize pain in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium americanum. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 140 (3-4), 172-178 (2012).
15. Vargas-Téllez, I. et al. Impact of unilateral eyestalk ablation on Callinectes arcuatus (Ordway, 1863) under laboratory conditions: Behavioral evaluation. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research. 49 (4), 576-594 (2021).
16. Chu, K. H., Chow, W. K. Effects of unilateral versus bilateral eyestalk ablation on molting and growth of the shrimp, Penaeus chinensis (Osbeck, 1765) (Decapoda, Penaeidea). Crustaceana. 62 (3), 225-233 (1992).
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