Habitat preference and maintenance of freshwater crab Barytelphusa cunicularis in concrete tank culture model
Sharda Padghane and Shivaji Chavan
This study was conducted in Nanded, Marathwada region, during year 2015-17, to know the habitat preference of freshwater crab Barytelphusa cunicularis in captivity in constructed tank model 10X8X5 (L,W,H, Ft.).Habitatpreference of the crab was investigated when provided three different trials by maintaining water level, water quality, food, shelter. Highest percent of crabs were preferred Muddy + Stony habitat, where they prepared burrows also high survival rate.The result of the study indicate that, Barytelphusacunicularis mostly prefers open compartment habitat. Similarly the setup of habitat containing Mud + Stony habitat was most preferred in constructed tank as compared to bamboo cages and close compartments. Open compartment habitat was successful trials for maintenance and it serve for burrow preparation as well as hiding place for protection from predators, to avoid mortality rates, to minimize intra-specific struggle in Barytelphusa cunicularis and suggested as best system to encourage low cost, eco-friendly backyard crab culture and maintenance.