In crustaceans, eyestalk ablation (ESA) is commonly used in aquaculture to stimulate moulting, and methyl farnesoate (MF) effects crustacean moulting. The influence of methyl farnesoate in the regulation of moult was investigated by administration of MF with three tested concentrations of 10-9moles/crab; 10-8moles/crab and 10-7 moles/crab. Highest moult induction frequency was obtained at MF 10-8moles/crab injected group as evidenced on day 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th of the experiment. The moult induction frequency of MF from the above experiment in crabs is summarized as 10-8 moles/crab (33.33%) > 10-7 moles/crab (17.5%) > 10-9 moles/crab (16.6%) > ESX (16.6%) respectively. Injection of MF into inter-moult crabs increased moulting percentage, moulting stimulation, growth acceleration and adaptability. Hierarchial cluster and dendogram analysis quantify the close relation among the experimental groups. 

Moulting, methyl farnesoate, crustacean, edible crab, Oziothelphusa senex senex