Larviculture
The larvae of blue swimmer crabs are typically hardy with a relatively short developmental duration. High survivial rates of 20-50% are typical. There are five successive larvaestages, including four zoeal stages and one postlarval megalopa stage.
Under optimal conditions, the duration from first zoeal stage to the metamorphosis into juveniles is approximately 12 days.
Although P. pelagicus larvae rely on live food such as rotifers and Artemia, the high survival rates routinely observed can
lead to the settlement of thousands of juveniles utilizing relatively simple facilities and technology. Since one of the hallenges for the successful aquaculture of any species is a reliable supply of larvae, this characteristic is highly advantageous.