Abstract

Procambarus clarkii is an endemic North American crayfish species that was introduced into Spain in 1973 for aqua cultural and fishing purposes. At present, red swamp crayfish account for clearly the largest crayfish catch (about 3500 tonnes annually) in Europe. But nearly all red swamp crayfish is produced in Guadalquivir marshes (about 2,900 tonnes) by fishing on natural areas, including natural protected areas, such as Doñana National Park. However, crayfishing in DNP is completely forbidden; so, it is important to fishermen to get another area to satisfy their necessities and the trade demand. Rice-Fields near to DNP sound like a good option, but seed (juveniles) to restock every season is needed. The aims of this study were to quantify the growth of individuals and the population dynamics for juveniles of P. clarkii when fed in the laboratory on four different diets. The diets used were: 1) trade commercial feed; 2) various dried plant species; 3) dried Gammarus pulex; 4) an equal mixture of plants and G. pulex. Highest growth rate and production were estimated in diet 3 (1.48%/day, 1.87g/15 days, respectively). The highest weekly mortality rate occurred with diet 4. The biometric relationship between weight and total length indicate positive allometry for length (b<3). Knowledge of individual growth and population dynamics of P. clarkii juveniles in laboratory conditions are of considerable importance in order to secure the seed needed for restocking every year, and to develop new techniques to get sustainable aquaculture practices.

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