Abstract

The ability to predict receptivity in female Cherax quadricarinatus is useful for studies concerning reproduction and may also serve for management of synchronic spawning in a broodstock. Pairs of size-matched males and females were introduced into aquaria each divided into two halves by a perforated transparent partition, with a tube-shelter in each side. Daily observations were conducted in which the location of the crayfish – inside or outside of the shelter – was monitored every 30 min between 08:00 and 15:00 h. Therefore (between 16:00 and 18:00 h), the partition was lifted and each pair was allowed to interact for 10 min and their behaviour was video-recorded. Female activity, measured as percentage of observations she was outside the shelter, was significantly higher in the day of mating than in any of previous and following days. Thus, identifying receptivity in female C. quadricarinatus based on the level of activity proved to be reliable but limited to the day of mating. These results indicate that the present assay is particularly feasible for behavioural studies.

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