Comparison of meat composition and yield of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus RATHBUN, 1896) and sand crab (Portunus pelagicus LINNE, 1758) caught in Iskenderun Bay, North-East Mediterranean

The objective of this study is to compare meat yield and chemical composition of blue crabs and sand carbs. The ratio of crude protein (18.93%), dry matter (22.43%) and crude ash (2.34%) in the meat. taken from male individuals were found to be higher in sand crabs than in blue crabs, but lipid levels were not statistically different for male individuals of the two species (p>0.05). However, crude ash (2.36%) and lipid (1.33%) levels were found to be higher in the cheliped meat of sand crabs in the same individuals. The ratio of crude protein (17.55%), dry matter (21.93%), crude ash (3.07%) and lipid (1.53%) in the meat taken from female individuals were found to be higher in sand carbs, but crude protein (15.38%) dry matter (21.93%) and crude ash (1.53%) levels were higher in the cheliped meat of sand carbs (p>0.05). However, lipid (1.38%) levels were lower for sand carbs (p>0.05). The highest yield (66.57%) was obtained form male blue crabs.