FOOD CHOICE BY FREE-LIVING STAGES OF THE TROPICAL FRESH-WATER CRAYFISH, CHERAX-QUADRICARINATUS (PARASTACIDAE, DECAPODA)

Food choice by Cherax quadricarinatus was measured from video recordin gs of the time spent feeding on decayed plant material and zooplankton . Crayfish within the size range 20-75 mm spent a significantly longer time feeding on plant material, whilst crayfish at independent stage 1 (with yolk) did not spend a significantly different time at either o f the two food types. Plant material, but not zooplankton, was often p icked up to be consumed near or within shelters, which is consistent w ith ease of handling of plant material and with shelter dependence sho wn by redclaw crayfish.