Research Article
Edéa OG, Gbangboch&eacu
Abstract
Tests of breeding of 70 juveniles (35&♂ and 35♀) and 5 berried females of Cardiosoma armatum were carried out in captivity for 42 days. The crabs were fed on palm nuts (Elaeis guineensis), banana leaves (Musa sp.), (Paspalum vaginatum) and a granulated supplement. The results show a non-significant difference between enclosure for temperature, pH of the soil and water, favoring a survival rate of 94.28%. In monosex rearing, the lot of males presented an average daily gain (ADG) higher than that of females: 0.13 ± 0.08 g vs. 0.09 ± 0.04 g (p<0.05). In mixed farming, average daily gain (ADG) of males is significantly lower than that of females: 0.10 ± 0.05 g vs. 0.12 ± 0.08 g (p<0.05). Furthermore, the males in monosex farming presented an average daily gain above (p<0.05) that of males in mixed farming. There is no significant difference between males in mixed farming and females in monosex culture (p<0.05). The carapace of males is wider than that of females: 5.2 ± 0.39 cm vs. 5.1 ± 0.34 cm during the test (p<0.05). This species has good growth performance and can be recommended for the Benin aquaculture.