Influence of salinity and temperature on molting and survival of the Australian freshwater crayfish ( Cherax tenuimanus)

Abstract

The largest freshwater crayfish in the world are found in Australia. Cherax tenuimanus, or marron, is one of these large freshwater crustaceans which has attracted considerable interest as a potential aquaculture species during the past few years. Experiments to assess the suitability of marron for culture in the Southeastern United States began at Auburn University in 1986. A 6-week bioassay was used to evaluate the effects of three temperature ranges (17 ± 1 °C, 24 ± 1 °C and 30 ± 1 °C) and three levels of salinity (0, 50 and 100 mg/l NaCl) on marron survival and molting. As temperature increased molting frequency increased but survival decreased. Salinity had no effect on number of molts, but it had a positive effect on molting success and survival. Temperatures of 25 °C and less and salinity levels of at least 100 mg/l were found to provide the best survival. Because of a need for cool temperatures and low levels of salinity, limited areas in the Southeastern United States will be suitable for marron culture.