Effects of temperature and salinity on growth, food conversion, survival and temperature resistance of juvenile blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus Rathbun.

Investigations indicate that spawning, hatching and larval growth of the blue crab and other allied species are temperature dependent and are successful only within certain temperature ranges. The general objective of this study is to supply information vital to the commercial culture of the blue crab on the Texas Gulf Coast. Specific objectives include: 1) To ascertain optimum levels of water temperature and salinity for the growth of juvenile blue crabs. 2) To determine the effects of temperature, salinity and substrate on the cannibalism and mortality of juvenile blue crabs. 3) To study food-conversion rates at different temperatures, salinities and feeding rates. 4) To investigate the thermal tolerance of juvenile blue crabs acclimated at various temperatures and salinities.