How Do River Crabs Reproduce? Detailed Explanation of Breeding Methods and Techniques

The scientific name of the river crab is the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). It lives in the muddy banks of rivers, lakes and marshes. Its meat is tender and nutritious, and many people enjoy eating it. So, how do river crabs reproduce?

1. How do river crabs reproduce?

River crabs reproduce by laying eggs, and generally reach sexual maturity at two years of age. Each autumn they begin their reproductive migration, mating, spawning and hatching in brackish water. Their lifespan is 2-3 years, and they go through several growth stages: zoea larva, megalopa larva, juvenile crab, yellow crab and green crab. Each stage involves several molts, requiring dozens of molts in total. They have only one reproductive cycle in their lifetime, and their life ends once reproduction is complete.

2. What do river crabs eat?

River crabs are omnivorous. Under natural conditions they feed mainly on aquatic plants and humus, are fond of animal carcasses, and also readily eat snails, mussels, worms and insects, occasionally preying on small fish and shrimp. When food is scarce, they may cannibalize one another, even devouring the eggs they are carrying, and sometimes a single dead fish will draw others of their kind to fight over it.

3. How long does it take to steam river crabs?

River crabs can be eaten steamed. Small river crabs generally take about 8 minutes to steam, while slightly larger ones generally take about 10-15 minutes. If you want to kill all the bacteria and parasites inside the river crab, you need to steam them for at least 25-30 minutes.