Production of Australian Red Claw Cherax quudricarinatus in Polyculture with Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus |
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| Authors: | David B Rouse Bruce M Kahn |
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| Institution: | Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, Auburn University, Alabama 36849 USA |
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| Abstract: | Abstract— Australian red claw crayfish Cherax quudricarinurus were cultured in monoculture and in polyculture with male Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloricus in nine 0.02-ha earthen ponds. Red claw with an average weight of 7 g were stocked in all ponds at 2/ m2. Tilapia with an average weight of 19 g were stocked in six ponds at either 0.5 or 1/m2. A sinking 32% fish diet and dry alfalfa hay was provided to all ponds as feed and forage. After 135 d, red claw survival was similar (19–24%) in all treatments while average weights were 76 g in monoculture and 48 g in both polyculture treatments. Lower than expected survival was a result of stress caused by poor shipping conditions. Tilapia survivals were similar (84–90%) in all ponds and had an average weight of 403 g when stocked at 1/m2 and 444 g when stocked at 0.5/m2. Red claws are generally considered non-aggressive, especially when compared with other clawed crustaceans. This lack of aggressiveness is suggested as a cause for decreased growth in polyculture with tilapia. |
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