COMPARATIVE LIFE-HISTORY STUDIES OF 2 SYMPATRIC PROCAMBARUS CRAWFISHES

A comparative 12 month life history analysis was conducted on syntopic PopulatiOns of Procambarus clarkii and Procambarus zonangulus from Ha rdin Co., Texas. Temporally burrowing, molting, reproduction, and surf ace water use were relatively similar between the species. Procambarus zonangulus gained more weight per unit length and obtained a greater maximum length than P. clarkii. Male P. zonangulus possessed significa ntly longer chelae than did P. clarkii counterparts, but no difference s between females existed. Dietary differences existed between the spe cies. Procambarus clarkii had more full guts than P. zonangulus, and f emale P. clarkii consumed more animal tissue than female P. zonangulus . Even though female P. zonangulus possessed greater weights and great er carapace lengths, their fecundity was significantly lower than that of P. clarkii.