Abstract

The proximate chemical composition determined in muscle in male and female of crab Chiromantes boulengeri, Calman 1920 during four seasons was found to be varied among the two different size groups examined. The carapace length and weight of the crabs varied from 10.81mm to 55.16mm and 6.63g to 24.47g respectively. In general, the protein content was higher in small size groups than in large size groups. The protein content in two sexes and size groups of this species was high. Protein values ranged from 24.39-18.62%, fat values ranged from 2.67-1.92%, ash values ranged from 5.76-4.13%, moisture values ranged from 70.46-76.21%, carbohydrate values ranged from 1.53-2.47%. Protein, fat, ash, moisture and carbohydrate were significantly different (P< 0.05) between winter and summer seasons in this specie. It also indicates that the proximate composition of this crab depends on the season but also in reaction to size, age, sex, reproducing cycle, breeding season and region of catch.

Keywords: Chiromontes boulengeri; Proximate chemical; Protein; Fats; Carbohydrates