Stocking Density for Nursery Production of Redclaw Crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, in a Recirculating System

• Published in: Journal of applied aquaculture Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 8 - 15
• Main Authors: García-Ulloa, G. M., Pérez-Moreno, M. R., Rodríguez-González, D., Gallo-García, M. C., Ponce-Palafox, J. T., Rodríguez-González, H., Góngora-Gómez, A. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia Taylor & Francis Group 01.01.2012; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Aquaculture; Cambaridae; Cherax quadricarinatus; Density; Diet; Fish production; Fish stocking; Freshwater; juvenile; Physical growth; seed production
• ISSN: 1045-4438; 1545-0805
• DOI: 10.1080/10454438.2012.650599

Redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, early juveniles were reared at different stocking densities in a closed recirculation system using 12-L plastic containers as rearing tanks. Initial stocking densities were 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 per liter (66, 89, 111, 133, and 156 crayfish/m 2 , respectively). Rearing period was 42 days. Each density was tested with five replicates. Shelter (0.112 m 2 ) was added to double the surface area of rearing tanks. Animals were fed ad libitum twice a day with a commercial diet containing 35% crude protein. There were no significant differences (P < 0.05) in length and specific growth rate (SGR) among stocking densities. Final weight and daily weight gain, however, were significantly higher at the density of 66 per m 2 (1.0 per liter). Total biomass at harvest increased with density. Survival was affected by stocking density from day 28 onward, decreasing with density from 62.7 ± 7.6% obtained at 66 crayfish/m 2 to 44.85 ± 8.18% at 156 crayfish/m 2 .