Diseases of mud crabs (Scylla spp.): an overview

Abstract

Mud crabs (Scylla spp.) are the most promising group for diversification of coastal aquaculture. However, the health management vis-a-vis diseases of mud crabs attracted less attention of researchers, and therefore, there is distinct lack of description of their pathogens as compared to other commercially exploited crustacean and finfish species. Culture of mud crab is largely extensive with extremely low input; hence diseases with potential economic impact have not been widely observed and caused problems. However, intensification of mud crab culture is likely to result in occurrences of known or previously unreported or even exotic diseases. Many new pathogens and diseases are being reported with significant pathogenicity and adverse effect on the production of mud crabs across the world. In the present review, the viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan and metazoan pathogens of mud crabs and their impact on the health of individuals and aquaculture are discussed.