Growth and survival of the Australian red claw lobster Cherax quadricarinatus under laboratory conditions

Abstract

Laboratory studies on the Australian redclaw lobster Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens, 1868) were performed during 120 days to analyze dietary effects on growth, and survival. Three different diets were used: 1) commercial feed with 30% crude protein (CP), 2) with 35% CP, and 3) with 40% CP. Three 90-L aquaria were used for each of the diets; the initial juvenile density was 10 organisms per aquarium. They were fed twice daily 10% of their biomass. Using 40% CP, juveniles reached a maximum average weight of 10.43 g, a total length of 8.64 cm; with 35% CP: they reached 6.77 g and 7.10 cm, and with 30% CP: 5.97 g, and 6.74 cm. Statistical differences were not observed when they were fed three diets. The red claw was maintained at a temperature between 27.0 and 33.4° C and a pH between 7.7 and 8.2. Surviving was as follows: 47% with 30% CP diet, 60% with 40% CP, and 53% with 35% CP. The mean food conversion rate for the different commercial feeds was: 3.22:1 with 30% CP, 2.9:1 with 35% CP, and 3.47:1 with 40% CP. Growth of the red claw fed with 40% CP grows more, but with 30 and 35% CP do not show grows differences.