Preliminary study on the use of synthetic
substrate for juvenile stage production of the yabby, Cherax destructor
(Clark) (Decapoda: Parastacidae)
P.L. Jones, T. Thanuthong, P. Kerr-2002
Aquaculture
Research, 33(10):
811
Abstract:
Juvenile Cherax destructor (commonly called the yabby) (mean
weight 48.3 mg) were cultured intensively (stocking density 360/m2)
under controlled conditions for 48 days. The animals were provided with a
combination of food (high protein pellets and/or natural feed organisms
attached to a conditioned synthetic substrate) and refuge. Fastest growth
and highest yield was recorded when both pellets and the conditioned
synthetic material were provided. Although the yabbies sheltered in the
synthetic substrate, it did not increase survival. Juvenile yabbies (<
200 mg) were able to graze on small organisms attached to the synthetic
material but this ability appeared to decline as the yabbies grew to a
larger size. The use of artificial substrates in the intensive nursery phase
production of juvenile freshwater crayfish is discussed.
(School of Ecology and Environment, Deakin University, PO Box 423,
Warrnambool, Victoria 3280, Australia. E-mail:
pfj@deakin.edu.au)