Breeding Sites Characteristics, Fecundity, and Gonad Maturity Levels of Scylla sp. in Mangrove Area, Kuala Batee District Southwest Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract The increasing demand for mangrove crabs affects random capture without considering the size and age of mangrove crabs. Capture at the spawning stage impacts the decreasing rate of the crab population. This study aims to determine the characteristics of the breeding site, fecundity, and gonad maturity level (GML) of Scylla sp gonads in the mangrove area of Kuala Batee District, Southwest Aceh Regency. Breeding site characteristics were measured through physical and biotic environmental factors, fecundity was calculated by comparing the number of eggs in the sample multiplied by the total gonad weight divided by the sample gonad weight, and GML was analyzed through literature review. All data were analyzed descriptively. The characteristics of the mangrove crab habitat substrate consist of sandy loam and sandy loam. The fecundity of mangrove crabs ranges from 2531 to 3393 eggs, with an average of 2726 eggs. GML of female mangrove crabs is at GML IV, while GML of male mangrove crabs varies between GML II, III, and IV. It can be concluded that the mangrove ecosystem in the southwest Aceh Regency area is still within the optimal range to support the mangrove crab breeding process.