GROWTH OF AUSTRALIAN CRAYFISH (CHERAX QUADRICARINATUS) JUVENILES IN INDUSTRIAL CONDITIONS DEPENDING ON THE ENVIRONMENT TEMPERATURE

The article presents study results of the influence of water temperature on the growth and evolution of juveniles of the Australian red claw crayfish ( Cherax quadricarinatus ) in circulating water supply systems. There have been analyzed 750 specimens of crayfish larvae and 150 juveniles, which were contained in large fish tanks, each with 200 l capacity. Each fish tank had autonomous system water purification and thermal regulation: 24.0; 28.0 and 31.0°С. Duration of test made 63 days. It was found that maximum efficiency of juvenile-stock rearing of crayfish can be achieved under the temperature 25.0-27.0°С. Growth rate of crayfish decreased and their survivalship was lower than threshold values under the temperature 30.0°С and higher. Insignificant changes of the temperature regime of the Australian crayfish juvenile habitat within the bounds of biological normal interval exert a significant impact on the results of their breeding both at an early nascent stage, beginning from the first larval stages, and more recent stages of the ontogenesis. It has been proved that water temperature has effect not only on the weight and linear growth, but also on the survivalship of the Australian crayfish juvenile. It has been observed that under 30.0°С survivalship of young crayfish decreased in two times during the first five days in circulating water supply units. For this reason in providing of industrial rearing of early juveniles of the Australian crayfish it should be taken into account that planned withdrawal at the first two-three months could make up to 50% from the initial number of larvae.