<![CDATA[This study aims to examine and compare the effectiveness of using different types of bait, namely trash fish and chicken viscera, on the catch of mangrove crabs (Scylla sp.) using collapsible traps in the waters of Bojongsalawe Village, Pangandaran. The research method utilized field experiments conducted from November to December 2025 with 16 replication cycles. Environmental parameters during the study were recorded in optimal conditions, with water temperatures ranging from 29–30°C and a salinity of 26–29 ppt. The results showed that a total of 91 mangrove crabs were caught. Trash fish bait proved to be more effective, yielding a total catch of 57 crabs, a cumulative weight of 7,265 grams, and an average catch of 3.56 crabs per replication. Meanwhile, chicken viscera bait only yielded 34 crabs with a cumulative weight of 4,421 grams and an average catch of 2.12 crabs per replication. The non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test analysis resulted in an Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) value of 0.002 (< 0.05), proving a statistically significant difference in effectiveness between the two types of bait. From a biological perspective, the population structure of the catch was dominated by male crabs at 52 individuals (57%), while female crabs accounted for 39 individuals (43%). In conclusion, trash fish bait serves as a much more effective and optimal attractant compared to chicken viscera for increasing the productivity of mangrove crab fishing in the waters of Bojongsalawe Village.]]>
