Gonadal development, spawning, growth and survival of the crayfish Procambarus llamasi at three different water temperatures

A study was done of the effect of three water temperatures (16, 21 and 26 degreesC on the growth, survival, gonad development and spawning rates of Procambarus ilamasi during a 90-day trial. Juveniles (<40 mm total length) were stocked at 76 org /m(2) density, and at a 1:1 M/F ratio. Growth improved in all treatments with increasing temperature, showing significant differences between sexes. Males grew more than females and achieved larger sizes with statistical differences (p<0.05) between treatments. Survival rate exhibited a negative relationship to temperature, with significant differences (p<0.05) between the 16 degreesC treatment and the others, but not between the 21 and 26 degreesC. Survival rate decreased from 90% at 16 degreesC to 42% at 26 degreesC. Ovary development increased as temperature increased. The gonadosomatic and maturation indexes were significantly different (p<0.05) between the 16 degreesC treatment and the others, but not between the 21 and 26 degreesC treatments. Spawning rate exhibited no relationship to temperature, with optimum results (22%) at 21 degreesC. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.