Comparative analysis of the gut content of <i>Scylla de Haan</i>, 1833 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae) collected from the rivers of poblacion Sapian, Capiz

Abstract

The natural diet for various sizes and both sexes of the mud crab <i>Scylla sp.</i> collected from the river located at Brgy. Poblacion Sapian Capiz, Philippines was determined. Gut content analysis was conducted for the mud crabs ranging from 30- 109.99 mm carapace width. Results showed that predominant food of mud crab <i>Scylla sp.</i> consists of crustaceans such as shrimps and crabs as well, fish, mollusk, sand shells, unidentified egg, and even plants. Most of the gut content however, consists of chyme due to heavy mastication and presence of the gastric mills that digest the food. There is no ontogenetic shift or difference in the diet as well as diet difference between male and female crabs. The results were discussed in relation with the species’ feeding patterns and the effect of the diet on the maturation of the crab: