Cage culture and eyestalk ablation molt induction of blue crabs, (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun) held in brackish water ponds.

From 9 September 1982 until 24 July, 1983, blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus Rathburn) were reared in ponds and tanks. Objectives included determining cage shape and size preferences, and determining effects of cage rearing, intermittant feeding, eyestalk ablation, and gender on molting, growth, and survival rates. Crabs of three size classes occupied open-faced triangular shaped cages significantly more often then conical, cylindrical, cubical, or rectangular cages. Rounded cages were least preferred. Large cages were occupied more often than smaller cages. Frequent inhabitation of wedge-shaped spaces was revealed.