Abstract

Within the genus Procambarus, section Digueti, there are two endemic species, Procambarus bouvieri and Procambarus digueti, that are the most ancient crayfish species of Mexico. Ecological features (some aspects of population dynamics, sex ratio, reproductive periods) of P. bouvieri and P. digueti were compared during two seasons of the year. Growth rates of crayfish recruitment classes were calculated and total mortality and fishing mortality were determined. For both species population structures were identified for at least two different periods of the year. Population structure and growth rates were different between species. P. digueti increased in weight more than in length, contrary to P. bouvieri which increased in length more than in weight. According to the slope (k) and upper limit (L?) of the von Bertalanffy’s seasonal growth model, both P. bouvieri and P. digueti are ‘r-selected’ species. Mean growth rates for cohorts were extremely variable and successive age groups overlapped considerably in these crayfish species. The mortality rate of P. bouvieri was estimated to be more influenced by fishing compared to P. digueti. The differences among both species are most likely due to the different water regimes of their habitats rather than to other factors such as the type of waterbody.

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