Combined effects of temperature and density on the growth and survival of juveniles of the Australian freshwater crayfish, Cherax destructor Clark, Part 1.

A 31 day growth trial of newly independent (stage 3) yabbies (Cherax destru ctor) was conducted using three density levels, 4, 8 and 16 per 2.5 l aquar ium, equivalent to 150, 300 and 600 m(-2), and three temperatures (22, 25 a nd 28 degrees C). Average final weight of yabbies was found to decline with increasing density, and to increase with increasing temperature. A signifi cant interaction was found between density and temperature with the effects of temperature bring reduced at higher densities. Analysis using yield pro duced similar results with the optimal combination of temperature and densi ty found to be 25 degrees C and 600 m(-2). Survival was not affected by den sity, but declined with increasing temperature. The implications of these f indings for optimal conditions for the intensive culture of juvenile yabbie s are discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.