Reproductive performance of the crayfish Procambarus (Austrocambarus) acanthophorus Villalobos 1948 under controlled conditions

Aspects of the reproductive biology of the crayfish Procambarus acanthophorus were documented under controlled conditions to determine this species’ culture potential. A completely random experimental design with three replicates was used to evaluate three different male/female sex ratios (1 M:1F, 1 M:3F and 1 M:5F) with 12 organisms (TL > 30 mm) per replicate. The experimental culture system was a closed recirculating system with constant water flow (2 L.min− 1), and once daily ad libitum feeding with a 35% protein commercial diet. Recorded reproductive parameters were peak reproduction season, fertility index, egg viability and female length at first sexual maturity. Peak reproduction activity occurred during November–December, the lowest activity in February–March, and no differences were observed between treatments. Fertility was estimated as a function of egg count per female (n = 25) and hatch rate. The highest (p < 0.05) number of ovigerous females was produced at the 1 M:3F ratio, and the lowest at the 1 M:5F. Average egg count per female was 240.9 (± 93.1) and average egg viability was 29.1% (± 31.7). The relationship between total length and egg count was positive and significant (r2 = 0.654), although the relationship between length and egg viability was not (r2 = 0.1132). Average female length at first sexual maturity was 34 mm. The study results indicate P. acanthophorus can be effectively reproduced in captivity under controlled conditions and is therefore a candidate for use in commercial aquaculture activities.