How to Breed Blue Crabs

Soft-shell blue crab is a popular delicacy in Louisiana. Because the blue crab only has a soft shell for short molting periods, fisherman have difficulty catching the crab while its in the soft-shell state. Raising blue crabs in an aquarium is a solution for small quantities of the crustacean, but because the blue crab lives in both saltwater and saltwater marshes, replicating the crab's habitat is challenging. To raise blue crabs you will need to understand their mating rituals and preferences. The benefit of blue-crab farming is that one female can produce up to 2 million eggs. These eggs have a low survival rate in the wild, but in a controlled environment it's possible to reap a higher yield.

Things You'll Need

  • Saltwater aquarium
  • Saltwater marsh habitat aquarium
  • Male and female blue crab
  • Blue crab fish food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the blue crabs in the saltwater aquarium during the crabs' natural hibernation period in the darker winter months.

    • 2

      Place the full-grown male and female blue crabs in the saltwater marsh aquarium. Blue crabs breed in the dense and nutrient-rich mud found in brackish marshes.

    • 3

      Allow the male to pick the female crab up and carry her around. Blue crabs only mate when the female is full-grown and in her final stage of molting. The male will carry her for a few days before and after their mating session.

    • 4

      Place the female and male back into the saltwater aquarium after they have finished mating and are no longer attached.

    • 5

      Keep the salt water aerated and filled with nutrients so that the eggs will have nourishment when they become free floating larvae.