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Cannibalism in juvenile Cherax destructor Clark: The role of diet and density in cannibalism of laboratory reared animals
Duffy RE, Godwin I, Purvis I and Nolan J 
Published Online: 12/31/2011
Abstract
Cannibalism in crayfish is the main factor influencing survival rates in aquaculture, although the specific cause of cannibalism is unknown. This study tested the role of diet and density on cannibalism in juvenile Cherax destructor Clark. Animals stocked at a high density showed no difference in growth or survival between any dietary treatments. However, rate of attrition, weight and biomass of animals stocked at the low density differed significantly between the diets. Animals fed a combined diet of yabby flesh and formulated pellets were larger (2.16 ± 0.3 g) with a higher biomass (3.34 ± 0.4 g) than those on either the formulated pellet (2.03 ± 0.4 g, 2.37 ± 0.4 g) or yabby flesh (1.34 ± 0.2 g, 2.17 ± 0.1 g) diets on their own. The lowest rate of attrition occurred in animals receiving only yabby flesh (0.37 ± 0.1), however, the rate of attrition of animals in the combined dietary treatment (0.53 ± 0.1) did not differ from the yabby flesh only treatment, despite exhibiting superior growth. These results demonstrate consumption of yabby flesh may be advantageous for growth, and cannibalism may have motivations based in dietary requirements.
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How to Cite
Duffy RE, Godwin I, Purvis I and Nolan J. (2011). Cannibalism in juvenile Cherax destructor Clark: The role of diet and density in cannibalism of laboratory reared animals. Freshwater Crayfish 18(1):1-5. doi: 10.5869/fc.2011.v18.1
Author Information
Rodney Duffy,* Livestock Industries, CSIRO, FD Mc Masters Laboratory, Chiswick, Armidale, NSW, Australia2350. E-mail: rodney.e.duffy@gmail.com
Ian Godwin, School of Rural Science, University of New England, University of New England, School of Rural Science, Armidale, NSW, Australia22350. E-mail: Dr Ian GODWIN
Ian Purvis, Livestock Industries, CSIRO, FD Mc Masters Laboratory, Chiswick, Armidale, NSW, Australia2350. E-mail: Ian.Purvis@csiro.au
John Nolan, School of Rural Science, University of New England, University of New England, School of Rural Science, Armidale, NSW, Australia2350. E-mail: Prof John NOLAN
Corresponding Author indicated by an *.
Publication History
Manuscript Submitted: 11/6/2010
Manuscript Accepted: 8/1/2011
Published Online: 12/31/2011
Published in Print: 12/31/2011
Funding Information
No specific funding statement is available for this article.