Abstract

The feeding process and the mechanics of ingestion are often overlooked in nutritional studies concerning freshwater crayfish. The feeding process begins with detection of dissolved chemicals in the culture water, observed as antennule flicking. A cascade of behavioural responses follows which, when positive, culminates in feeding and a continuation of feeding. Freshwater crayfish possess highly complex feeding structures with at least 11 different appendages contributing to tactile feed intake. The crushing, abrasive nature of the mouthparts leads to a fragmentation of traditional pressed and extruded pellets, and therefore to an inability to ingest completely these diet forms. The presence of a variety of different types of setae on the mouthparts of redclaw, Cherax quadricarinatus, suggests an enhanced effectiveness in gathering and ingestion of soft food materials such as macroinvertebrates. For complete diets to be effective in promoting growth they must be well ingested, and satisfy the nutritional requirements of the animal. They must be attractive, well ground and homogenous, and be presented in a way that is resilient to the mechanics of feed intake and subsequent fragmentation. One possibility is to present a water stable diet in a moist yet durable form.

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