Reproductive Biology of Crabs
Molecular Mechanisms, Hormonal Regulation, Environmental Factors, And Implications For Sustainable Aquaculture
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52046/agrikan.v18i2.2720Keywords:
Crabs, Reproduction, Aquaculture Biotechnology, Molecular Mechanisms, Hormonal Regulation, Environmental FactorsAbstract
Crab reproductive biology is important for the development of sustainable aquaculture, yet it still faces constraints related to gonadal maturation, spawning, and seed availability. This study employed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to synthesize findings on molecular mechanisms, hormonal regulation, and environmental factors influencing crab reproduction, using data from scientific databases spanning 2022 to 2026. The review results indicate that genes and molecular signaling pathways play roles in gonadal development, while crustacean hormones and the neuroendocrine system regulate reproductive readiness. Environmental factors such as temperature, photoperiod, salinity, water quality, and broodstock nutrition also exert significant influence. These findings emphasize the need for a holistic approach to reproductive control. This study highlights the potential of biotechnology to improve hatchery efficiency through the selection of superior broodstock, environmentally friendly hormonal manipulation, and the management of optimal environmental conditions. Nevertheless, research gaps remain, particularly in the application of molecular and hormonal findings at the industrial scale. Overall, these findings provide a foundation for the development of efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly crab reproductive technologies, and they may serve as a reference for future aquaculture practices and hatchery strategies.
References
Hungria, D. B., dos Santos Tavares, C. P., Pereira, L. Â., et al. (2017). Global status of production and commercialization of soft-shell crabs. Aquaculture International, 25, 2213–2226. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-017-0183-5
Kusuma, A. (2025). Struktur komunitas kepiting (Brachyura) di ekosistem mangrove Desa Sungai Nibung, Kabupaten Tulang Bawang. Jurnal Akuatiklestari, 8(2), 185–192. https://doi.org/10.31629/akuatiklestari.v8i2.7074
Apine, E., Ramappa, P., Bhatta, R., Turner, L. M., & Rodwell, L. D. (2023). Challenges and opportunities in achieving sustainable mud crab aquaculture in tropical coastal regions. Ocean & Coastal Management, 242, 106711. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2023.106711
Tahya, A. M., Ikbal, & Sunarti. (2025). Perkembangan molting kepiting bakau yang dikondisikan dalam siklus gelap-terang pada wadah pemeliharaan resirkulasi tertutup. JAGO TOLIS: Jurnal Agrokompleks Tolis, 5(2), 159–165. https://doi.org/10.56630/jago.v5i2.829
Hossen, S., Zhang, M., Chao, B., Yuan, Y., Waqas, W., Nag, S. K., Ikhwanuddin, M., & Ma, H. (2025). Reproductive biology of crabs: Molecular and physiological insights and implications for aquaculture. Reviews in Aquaculture. https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70113
Yulianto, H., Ihsan, Y. N., Sumiarsa, D., Ansari, A., & Hendarmawan, H. (2024). Assessing the sustainability of the blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) on the Eastern Coast of Lampung: A holistic approach to conservation and resource stewardship. Frontiers in Marine Science, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1304838
Pakaya, D. A., Koniyo, Y., & Lamadi, A. (2022). Intensitas dan prevalensi ektoparasit pada kepiting bakau (Scylla serrata) dalam pengembangan budidaya. Jurnal Vokasi Sains dan Teknologi, 2(1), 32–37. https://doi.org/10.56190/jvst.v2i1.15
Liu, R., Lin, X., Hu, J., Yang, J., Li, X., Wang, G., Yang, Y., Chen, Y., Pan, J., Guan, W., Cheng, Y., Zhou, J., & Fujun, X. (2025). Analysis of molecular advantages in offspring of large-sized Chinese mitten crabs based on reproductive lineage. Aquaculture, 596(Part 2), 741870. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2024.741870
Zhang, Y., Xiang, Q.-M., Mu, C.-K., Wang, C.-L., & Hou, C.-C. (2024). Functional study of PTSMAD4 in the spermatogenesis of the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(23), 13126. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252313126
Ren, Y., Wang, W., Fu, Y., Liu, Z., Zhao, M., Xu, L., Zhan, T., Huang, T., Luo, M., Chen, W., Ma, C., Zhang, F., Jiang, K., & Ma, L. (2023). Comparative transcriptome analysis identifies MAPK signaling pathway associated with regulating ovarian lipid metabolism during vitellogenesis in the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain. Fishes, 8(3), 145. https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes8030145
Vieira, R. A., Nogueira, A. P. O., & Fritsche-Neto, R. (2025). Optimizing the selection of quantitative traits in plant breeding using simulation. Frontiers in Plant Science, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1495662
Ventura, T. (2025). Crustacean sexual differentiation: A decapod perspective. Current Opinion in Insect Science, 69, 101371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cois.2025.101371
Dildar, T., Cui, W., & Ma, H. (2025). Physiology of ovarian development in crustaceans: Interactions among hormones, nutrients, and environmental factors from integrated perspectives. Aquaculture Nutrition, 2025, 4900891. https://doi.org/10.1155/anu/4900891
Alsehli, A. M., Alawfi, F. H. H., Alahmdi, R. A. R., Alfawzan, R. A., Alanazi, A. F., Alanazi, M. F., Albalawi, F. S. A., Almotairi, S. M., Almutairi, A. A., Alahmadi, B. A., Alzahrani, E. S., Alsobhi, O. A. A., Almadani, S. A., Alsubhi, R. A. (2024, October 26). Investigating neuroendocrine regulation in physiological processes: Advancements in techniques, challenges and future direction for human health.
Yang, S., Luo, W., Sun, Y., & Wang, S. (2025). Novel perspectives on growth hormone regulation of ovarian function: Mechanisms, formulations, and therapeutic applications. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2025.1576333
Sujan, M. H. K., Sarkar, M. A. R., Sultana, M., Akber, M. A., McKenzie, A. M., Kazal, M. M. H., Islam, I., & Aziz, A. A. (2025). Climate-smart aquaculture practice: Changes in economic viability and efficiency of mud crab fattening in coastal Bangladesh. Climate Risk Management, 49, 100726. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2025.100726
Wang, Y., Xu, D., Guo, C., Zhang, T., Liu, J., & Li, W. (2025). Gonadal development and its influencing factors in the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii): A review. Biology, 14(9), 1138. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14091138
Van Calunod, C., Maceren-Pates, M., Gaudioso, Jr., P., Nemeño, D., Quinitio, E., Parado-Estepa, F. D., Arcilla, M., & Añasco, L. (2025). Enhancing crab broodstock spawning and water quality using a recirculating aquaculture system with polychaete-assisted sand biofilter. International Journal of Aquaculture and Biotechnology, 13(3). https://doi.org/10.22034/ijab.v13i3.2456
Mitra, A., Abdel-Gawad, F. K., Bassem, S., Barua, P., Assisi, L., Parisi, C., Temraz, T., Vangone, R., Kajbaf, K., Kumar, V., & Guerriero, G. (2023). Climate change and reproductive biocomplexity in fishes: Innovative management approaches towards sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture. Water, 15(4), 725–750. https://doi.org/10.3390/w15040725
Zhu, B., Liu, D., & Wang, F. (2025). Interactions between crabs and the environment: Progress and prospects from a behavioral perspective. Reviews in Aquaculture, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70122
Hossain, K. Z., Jahan, I., Hossain, M. N., Ferdous, A., Ali, M. R., Rahman, M., Khan, M. S. R., & Asaduzzaman, M. (2025). Feeding selectivity and gametogenic cycle of Crassostrea madrasensis in relation to seasonal plankton and environmental variability in the southeast coast of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. Journal of Sea Research, 208, 102646. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seares.2025.102646
Dildar, T., Cui, W., Ikhwanuddin, M., & Ma, H. (2025). Aquatic organisms in response to salinity stress: Ecological impacts, adaptive mechanisms, and resilience strategies. Biology, 14(6), 667. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060667
Nelwan, J. I., Timpal, C., Kalangi, J. S., Lumansik, M. E., Suot, R. M., Lumi, S. M., Lumenta, L., & Lalira, J. E. (2025). Enhancing fishermen's economic stability through transformative economic innovation education in the Talaud Islands: Sustainable product and income diversification. Santhet: Jurnal Sejarah, Pendidikan dan Humaniora, 9(5). https://doi.org/10.36526/js.v3i2.6093
Higashide, N., Zhang, Y., Asatani, K., Miura, T., & Sakata, I. (2024). Quantifying advances from basic research to applied research in material science. Technovation, 135, 103050. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2024.103050
Vijayakumar, S., Murugaiyan, V., Ilakkiya, S., et al. (2025). Opportunities, challenges, and interventions for agriculture 4.0 adoption. Discover Food, 5, 265. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44187-025-00576-3
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Citation Check
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Dullah Irwan Latar
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
