Australia crayfish
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Abstract
The five largest Australian freshwater crayfish are: 1) Astacopsis gouldi of Tasmania. 2) Euastacus armatus of the Murray and Murrumbidgee rivers in New South Wales, 3) Cherax tenuimanus of Western Australia, 4) Euastacus australasiensis of the Sydney area of New South Wales, and 5) Cherax destructor of the eastern portion of the continent. They are briefly reviewed as to their appearance, behavior and distribution with emphasis on the aquacultural potential of each animal. Two animals Cherax tenuimanus and Cherax destructor appear to be the most suitable animals of the five culture purposes. A more specific study is made of Cherax destructor to determine the necessary environmental requirements. These include: Range and migration of the animal is extensive and the ability to walk overland, follow flooded streams, and burrow to avoid drying lakes shows adaptive behavior for protection as well as expansion. Studies of the thermal management indicate that optimum temperatures for growth are between 20-25C. Extreme temperatures from 1-35C did not produce mortality. The temperature of 16C in which the animals comatose is important in management of these animals. The life history revolves around the temperature of 16C which initiates activity in the springtime and estivation in the wintertime. The life history is reviewed in terms of temperature and season. Breeding has been done in open ponds, cages, and laboratory. The egg hatching sequence covers an alteration of coloration of the eggs from green through black to violet during the 6-week hatching period The young are attached to the mother differently from the European crayfish. Alteration of winter cycles to produce breeding is accomplished by altering temperature and photoperiod. Feeding is accomplished through the feeding response which is initiated by odors detected by the antennae. Manufactured feeds may be fed to crayfish but must have adequate nutrition, odors, and must be firmly bound. Salt water tolerance of Cherax destructor is extensive, affording direct introduction into seawater for 48 hours without mortality, and with no particular effect after living in 75% seawater. Osmotic regulation is important to maintain healthy animals.
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Frost JV. (1975). Australia crayfish. Freshwater Crayfish 2(1):87-96. doi: 10.5869/fc.1975.v2.087
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