Production of juvenile redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens) (Decapoda, Parastacidae) II. Juvenile nutrition and habitat

Abstract

Newly hatched redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus were reared for 39 days in aquaria using various combinations of food and habitat. Food treatments were fresh zooplankton and a high protein formulated flake diet. Habitat treatments involved the presence/absence of a floating aquatic macrophyte, Pistia stratiodes. Both survival and growth of juveniles were significantly influenced by the type of food and habitat. Fresh zooplankton produced the best growth. An interactive effect between food type and Pistia resulted in differential survival. Use of aquatic macrophytes for habitat in intensive juvenile production systems is not recommended.