Physiological Adaptations of Freshwater Crayfishes that Permit Successful Aquacultural Enterprises

Abstract

SYNOPSIS. There are over 400 species and three families of freshwater crayfishes. Many species are collected for food and/or fish bait but fewer than ten are commercially cultivated. We discuss the physiological adaptations that permit these species to be successfully cultivated. The most important cultured species include: Northern Hemisphere—Cambaridae— Orconectes immunis, Procambarus clarkii, and Procambarus zonangulus, and Southern Hemisphere—Parastacidae—Cherax destructor. Procambarus clarkii is, by far, the most important species and has been successfully introduced to all continents, save Antarctica and Australia, from its native North America. All species may be cultivated entirely in closed, intensive systems; however, economics are such that they are commercially produced, for the most part, by establishing perpetuating populations in earthen pond systems. All species tolerate low oxygen, adapt well to aerial exposure, and persist for extended periods in burrow systems in the absence of surface waters. The cultured species have high fecundities, rapid growth rates, and mature quickly. Aquaculture of freshwater crayfish is in its infancy. Therefore, it is likely that additional species with favorable adaptations discussed here will be identified for cultural purposes