Effect of attractant stimuli, starvation period and food availability on digestive enzymes in the redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (Parastacidae)

• Published in: Aquatic biology Vol. 23; no. 1; pp. 87 - 99
• Main Authors: Sacristán, HJ, Nolasco-Soria, H, López Greco, LS
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Inter-Research 17.12.2014
• Subjects: Cambaridae; Cherax quadricarinatus; Freshwater; Parastacidae
• ISSN: 1864-7782; 1864-7790
• DOI: 10.3354/ab00611

The first objective of this study was to determine whether incorporation of squid meal (SM) in food (base feed, BF) acts as an additional attractant for Cherax quadricarinatus and, if so, the concentration required for optimal effectiveness. The second objective was to analyze the effect of food availability on behavior and level of digestive enzyme activity after short-term (48 h) and long-term (16 d) starvation periods. To assess the effect of either starvation period, 3 different treatments were conducted: no feed (control), available BF, and BF present but not available. Individual and group behavior showed no differences among treatments with different percentages of SM inclusion in BF. Levels of amylase activity and soluble protein, as a function of food availability after a short- or long-term starvation period, were not altered. Digestive enzyme activity was not affected after 2 d of starvation in response to the treatment.