Nutritional profiles of wild male mud crabs (Scylla paramamosain) from the southeast coast of China: Regional differences and comparison with females

Male <i>Scylla paramamosain</i> play an important role in aquaculture and consumption, yet their regional nutritional traits are underexplored. This study compared wild males from five southeast China regions, including Nansha (GNS), Qisha (GQS), Zhangzhou (FZZ), Taizhou (ZTZ), and Danzhou (HDZ), analyzing proximate composition, fatty acids, amino acids, and minerals. Results showed HDZ muscle had the highest crude protein, while FZZ hepatopancreas had the highest crude lipid (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Muscle tissues were rich in essential amino acids, with ZTZ having the highest concentration (190.09 mg/g). GNS hepatopancreas exhibited the highest DHA (10.87 %) and n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio (3.59), whereas HDZ showed the highest EPA (7.85 %). The copper concentration in GNS hepatopancreas was the highest (546.28 mg/kg), suggesting the need for intake limitations. Comparison with females revealed significant sex-related nutritional differences. These findings highlight notable regional variation in male mud crab nutritional profiles, emphasizing their value for human nutrition and aquaculture development.