The lenght-weight relationships, and meat yield of crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus Eschcholtz, 1823) population in Apolyont Lake (Bursa, Turkey)

Abstract

In this study, the relationships between length-weight, and meat yield of freshwater crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus) in Apolyont Lake were investigated. For this aim, 1416 (573 female, 843 male) crayfish were caught between in April 2002 and in March 2003. Sex ratios of crayfish population were calculated as 0.68/1.0. Carapace length and total weight of crayfish were determined 23-71 mm (23-70 mm female, 28-71 mm male) and 2.5-92.4 g (2.5-72.4 g female, 2.5-92.4g male), respectively. In respects to carapace length-total weight relationships results of regression negative allometric growth were found in female crayfish but isometric growth was found in male and in the population (female+male). The crayfish population total chelae meat yield, abdomen meat yield and total meat yield were determined as 3.47%, 12.98% and 16.45%, respectively. There was significant differences in total chelae meat yield of male crayfish (3.92%) than female crayfish, abdomen meat yield of females (14.58%) than male (p