Proximate and Mineral Compositions of Common Crab Species [Callinectes pallidus and Cardisoma armatum] of Badagry Creek, Nigeria

Abstract

Callinectes pallidus and Cardisoma armatum species were obtained at Badagry creek near to Ojo, Lagos. The proximate and mineral compositions (meats and bony tissue) of Callinectes pallidus and Cardisoma armatum crabs from Badagry Creek were analyzed, the mean body weight were 145.22 ± 3.39 and 104.47 ± 2.50 respectively. Big cheliped weight, small cheliped weight, visceral weight and leg weight were not significantly different (P 0.05), both crabs were high in calcium, potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Zinc in meat of both crabs were not significantly different (P 0.05), iron and zinc of shell of both crabs were also significantly different (P>0.05). The proximate and mineral compositions of both species of crab showed highly nutritious meat to warrant introduction into the culture system of the country to further diversify the aquaculture base of the industry presently dominated by catfish.