The effect of temperature on feeding and growth of australian redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (Decapoda, Parastacidae)

The effect of temperature on feed intake and growth of juvenile Australian redclaw crayfish Cherax quadicarinatus was studied by individual observations. Three temperatures were studied: 19–20°C, 23–24°C and 27–28°C. Tetra Wafer Mix compound was used as feed. The duration of the experiment was 60 days. The correlation of feed intake with temperature, weight of juveniles and molting was shown. At the beginning of the experiment, the feed consumption of crayfish with a weight of less than 0,5 g was 2,7% at a temperature 19–20°C; 4,8% for 23–24°C and 5,3% for 27–28°C of the individual’s weight per day. At the end of the experiment, in juveniles weighing more than 2,5 g, the feed consumption for variants 23–24°C and 27–28°C was 1,5% and 2,1%, respectively. The growth rate depended on temperature and at 19–20°C was 3–4 times lower than in the other two versions of the experiment. Based on the data obtained, it was concluded that the range of 23–28°C is within the temperature range optimal for cultivating juveniles. The temperature of 19–20°C does not ensure effective growth of juveniles, however, at this temperature the release of juveniles into ponds is possible.