Effects of Water Temperature, Density, and Sex Ratio on the Spawning Rate of Red Claw Crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens)

Effects of water temperature on red claw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus spawning rates was evaluated for 3 mo at 22, 26 and 30 ± 1 C. A 20/m² stocking density and a 1:2 M: F sex ratio was used. Spawning rate increased as temperature increased, with 30 C providing the highest spawning rate ( P < 0.05). Effects of stocking density and sex ratio on the reproduction of red claw crayfish were also evaluated at densities of 10.15 and 20/m², with a sex ratio of 1:1, and at three sex ratios (1:1. 1:3 and 1:5 M: F) at a density 10/m². Water temperature was maintained at 28 ± 1 C and photoperiod was maintained at 14L: 10D for 6 mo during the density and sex ratio experiments. Spawning rates were not significantly different ( P > 0.05) within the three stocking densities at a sex ratio of 1:1, nor were they different ( P > 0.05) for the three sex ratios at a density of 10/m². Results revenled that densities as high as 20/m² and sex ratios of 1 male to 5 females can be used to increase spawning per tank. Also, high temperature (28 ± 1 C) and long day lengths (14L: 10D) can be utilized to stimulate peak spawning rates, but high spawning rates cannot be maintained for more than about 3 mo.     

Observations and Techniques for Maturation, Spawning, and Larval Rearing of the Yellowtail Snapper Ocyurus chrysurus

Abstract.— This paper describes current techniques used at our laboratory for the controlled spawning, maturation and larval rearing of the yellowtail snapper. Juvenile yellowtail snapper were obtained from Florida and transferred to the Fisheries and Mariculture Laboratory in July 1990. Temperature and photoperiod manipulation resulted in precocial spawning in 1991, with sustained successive spawning beginning in February 1992. Average weekly spawning from 1992–1994 was 308,000 and 247,000 eggs/tank, with fertilization rates of 46.1 % and 32.5% for fish maintained in two separate spawning tanks. Observations on spawning activity from 1995 to 1996, during which a decreasing trend in egg and larval quality was observed, imply a possible problem with broodstock nutrition. Evaluation of feeding regimes during this period indicated a shift to a high (almost exclusively) usage of fresh squid and a reduction in fish and shrimp. Returning to a feeding regime of alternating feedings of fresh fish, squid. and shrimp have yielded improved spawning and egg quality. Larval rearing techniques using live and prepared feeds has resulted in an overall survival of 3% from egg to advanced juvenile. Growout of first generation (F1) juveniles yielded a marketable size (1 1b) fish in 25 mo. Spawning of F1 fish hegan in 1998. larval rearing and grow out of F2 fish are currently underway. Results demonstrate that yellowtail snapper culture is technically feasible; however. further research to develop species specific culture techniques will be required before the culture potential of this species can be accurately evaluated.     

Shifting the natural spring–summer breeding season of the Australian freshwater crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus into the winter by environmental manipulations

Ninety sexually mature Cherax quadricarinatus females were exposed to various combinations of photoperiod and temperature for 2 months during the summer. Females were randomly assigned to either “winter” “semi-winter” or “summer” simulation treatments. In the “winter” treatment, crayfish were exposed to a simulated winter photoperiod (gradual decrease from 14L:10D to 10L:14D, 4 weeks at short day length followed by gradual increase to 14L:10D) and temperature (gradual decrease from 27 to 15 °C, held for 4 weeks, and then gradual increase to 27 °C). In the “semi-winter” treatment, crayfish were exposed to a simulated winter photoperiod and a summer temperature (27–29 °C). In the “summer” treatment, the crayfish were exposed to summer water temperatures and a photoperiod of 14L:10D. Following the 2 months of conditioning, the females were stocked for 7 months in small groups with males under environmental conditions similar to those of the “summer” treatment. All females were individually tagged and molting and spawning events were monitored. Females exposed to “semi-winter” conditioning in the summer, demonstrated a threefold increase in the rate of first spawning during the winter (December–February) compared with the other females. Crayfish breeders can easily implement these findings since shifting the breeding season into the winter only requires shortening of the photoperiod in the summer. The stocking of ponds in the spring with large nursed juveniles that hatched from eggs spawned in the winter, would allow the attainment of market size at the end of the limited growout season in temperate zones.     

Observations on the Frequency of Claw Loss in the Crayfish Procambarus charkii

Abstract— The incidence of claw loss in the crayfish Procambarus clarkii was surveyed in two ponds. Pond 1 contained rice forage, and crayfish were trapped and removed three times per week. Pond C48 contained no supplemental forage, and no trapping occurred in the pond. In March claw loss in both ponds was similar with 87–91% of the population having both claws intact. Males and females showed no difference in the incidence of claw loss in either ponds. By May the abundant rice forage present in pond 1 during March had been depleted; however, the physical appearance of pond C48 changed little. In May claw loss was greater in pond 1 than pond C48; both males and females in pond 1 had a higher incidence of claw loss (increasing from 13% to 37%) than those in pond C48 (increasing from 9% to 17%). Claw loss in pond C48 males did not increase significantly; however, female claw loss increased approximately two-fold. In May hepatopancreas water content was significantly higher for crayfish from pond 1 when compared to pond C48, suggesting lower energy reserves. During times of environmental stress, such as decreased food availability, decreased structure, low oxygen or temperature extremes, regeneration may influence energy allocation to growth and possibly reproduction, especially if energy reserves are low. Thus, information on the incidence of claw loss and energy reserves in crayfish exposed to different pond conditions may be useful in the design of management strategies.     

Growth and Survival of the Australian Red Claw Crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus at Three Densities in Earthen Ponds

Australian red claw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus were cultured in nine 0.02-ha earthen ponds at densities of l/m², 3/m² and 5/m² for 158 d. Average weight at stocking was 3.2 g. All ponds were provided with a combination of hay and corn silage at a rate of 500 kg/ha per month and a commercial crayfish ration fed at 5%, decreasing to 2% of estimated biomass/d during the growing season. Overall survival rate was 72%, and did not differ among treatments. Final yields and average weights varied significantly with stocking density. Red claw averaged 67 g with an average pond yield of 475 kg/ha at l/m². At 3/m² and 5/m², red claw averaged 48 g and 38 g, respectively, and yielded 1,020 kg/ha and 1,422 kg/ha, respectively.     

Preliminary Pond Production of the Red Claw Crayfish,Cherax Quadricarinatus,in the Central United States

The Australian red claw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, has recently attracted attention as a potential candidate for aquaculture in the United States. This paper reports the first experimental yield trials of the red claw crayfish in the central United States. Two earthen ponds (0.30 and 0.31 ha) were stocked with juvenile red claw crayfish at either 3.5 or 7.0 crayfish/m². Crayfish were fed a diet of pelletized shrimp ration supplemented with corn silage. When stocked at 3.5/m₂, red claw crayfish grew from an average weight of 3.0 g to 27.0 g in 97 days; average survival was 79.6%; net yield was 653 kg/ha; and feed conversion was 1.4. When stocked at 7.0/m² red claw crayfish grew from an average weight of 4.1 g to 19.7 g in 99 days; average survival was 70.0%; net yield was 678.9 kg/ha; and feed conversion was 1.8. During the yield trial, temperatures were optimal for growth (25 to 33°C) 60% of the time. These findings are sufficiently encouraging to warrant further trials in locations with a longer growing season, in order to evaluate more fully the potential of the red claw crayfish as a candidate for aquaculture in the United States.     

Acclimation Procedures for the Australian Red Claw Crayfish,Cherax quadricarinatus

Abstract

Procedures to acclimate red claw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, juveniles after transport times of 24 and 48 hours are described. Animals were kept in tanks and subjected to a purging process during 48 hours before shipping and packing. Acclimation tanks should have enough bottom area to avoid excessive aggregation of animals. Plastic onion bag nets added to the tank provide additional shelter for the juveniles. Oxygen levels should be maintained above 6 ppm and the temperature increased no more than 1 °C per hour. Using the described procedures, survival rates obtained 126 days after shipping and acclimation were 88.7% and 72.7% for the animals that had a transport time of 24 and 48 hours, respectively.     

Forage-Based Feeding in Commercial Red Claw Ponds in Ecuador

Abstract

Red claw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, are perhaps the first tropical species of crayfish to be cultured commercially. Culture traits and high market value could allow semi-intensive culture. Feeding strategies used in extensive crayfish ponds in temperate climates may not be the most appropriate for semi-intensive culture systems where year-round growth is possible. The following study was conducted to evaluate differences between using a pellet-based system versus a pellet-plus-forage-based system. The study was conducted in 14 0.3-ha ponds on a commercial farm in Ecuador. Juvenile red claw (1-2 g) were stocked into all ponds at a rate of 4/m². All ponds received pelleted shrimp rations at a rate of 3% per day. Seven ponds also received dried hay at a rate of 100 kg/ha/mo during the 3-month study. At harvest, red claw weights were similar (30-34 g), but survivals were significantly higher in ponds receiving pellets and hay (65%) than in ponds receiving pellets only (50%). Yields in pellet-fed ponds averaged 594 kg/ha, while red claw receiving pellets plus forage averaged 889 kg/ha. The addition of dried forage was thought to provide a larger variety of natural food organisms throughout a greater area of the pond bottom and provided additional substrate for dispersal and hiding. Addition of grasses from outside the pond is recommended over production of grasses grown within the pond.     

Effects of feeding practical diets containing various protein levels on growth, survival, body composition, and processing traits of Australian red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) and on pond water quality

A 117‐day feeding trial was conducted in ponds with juvenile Australian red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) to evaluate the effects on growth, survival, body composition, and processing traits when fed diets containing three different protein levels (22%, 32%, and 42%), and the effects of feeding these diets on pond water quality. Juvenile crayfish (mean weight of 4.6±2.2 g) were randomly stocked into nine 0.02‐ha ponds at a rate of 500 per pond (25 000 ha^?1), and each diet was fed to three ponds. There were two feedings per day, each consisting of one‐half of the total daily ration. At harvest, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the individual weight, percentage weight gain, or specific growth rate among treatments, which averaged 75.3 g, 1535%, and 2.38% day^?1 respectively. Red claw fed the 42% crude protein diet had significantly higher (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio (7.34) compared with crayfish fed diets containing 22% (5.18) or 32% (5.13) crude protein, and had significantly lower percentage survival (46.1%) compared with red claw fed diets with 22% (61.1%) or 32% (58.2%) protein. Total yield was significantly lower (P<0.05) in red claw fed the 42% protein diet (640 kg ha^?1) compared with red claw fed diets containing 22% (920 kg ha^?1) or 32% (904 kg ha^?1) protein. Mean total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) levels were significantly higher (P<0.05) in ponds with red claw fed the 42% protein diet (0.55 mg L^?1) compared with ponds with red claw fed diets containing 22% (0.32 mg L^?1) or 32% (0.38 mg L^?1) protein. Mean total nitrite concentrations in ponds with red claw fed the 42% protein diet was significantly higher (0.05 mg L^?1) compared with red claw fed diets containing 22% (0.01 mg L^?1) or 32% (0.02 mg L^?1) protein. These results indicate that a practical diet containing 22% (as fed basis) protein may be adequate for pond production of red claw when stocked at the density used in this study, and that a diet containing 42% protein adversely affected levels of TAN and nitrite, possibly reducing overall survival of red claw. Use of a diet with 22% protein may allow red claw producers to reduce diet costs and thereby increase profits.     

Intensification of redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus culture: I. Hatchery and nursery system

Intensification of an indoor hatchery and nursery system for the Australian redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens) (Decapoda: Parastacidae) was obtained by increasing the surface area available for the crayfish juveniles and by synchronizing the age of the hatchlings held in each tank. The former improvement was facilitated by distributing an artificial seaweed-like material throughout almost the entire volume of small (275 l) hatching tanks. As the number of egg-bearing females was increased from 3 to 8 per hatching tank, the number of juveniles per liter also increased to as many as 6.5 juveniles/l, without reaching an apparent upper limit. The hatchlings were kept in the tanks for 75 days from the day females were found to be gravid and then harvested and graded according to size. The average juvenile weight at harvest was 0.34±0.04 g. The weight distribution of the juvenile males was not significantly different from that of the juvenile females on the day of harvest, and in both the distribution was positively skewed.     

Partial and total replacement of fish meal with soybean meal and brewer's grains with yeast in practical diets for Australian red claw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus

Three feeding studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of total replacement of fish meal (FM) with a combination of soybean meal (SBM) and brewer's grains with yeast (BGY) in diets for two separate strains of juvenile Australian red claw crayfish. In Experiment 1, three practical diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (40% protein) and isocaloric (4.0 kcal available energy/g diet) and contained either 25%, 10%, or 0% fish meal. Variable percentages of SBM (35%, 46.8%, and 79.8%, respectively) and BGY-35 (0%, 30%, and 5%, respectively) replaced the fish meal. In Experiments 2 and 3, four practical diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (40% protein) and isocaloric (4 kcal available energy/g diet) containing 24% or 0% fish meal. Diet 1 contained 24% fish meal, 23% SBM, and 0% BGY-35. A variable percentage of SBM (56.75%, 47.75%, and 40.75%, respectively) and BGY-35 (10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively) replaced the fish meal in the remaining three diets.

In Experiment 1, after 8 weeks, juvenile red claw fed all three diets had no significant difference (P>0.05) in final weight, percentage weight gain, or survival, which averaged 7.90 g, 3848%, and 83%, respectively. In Experiment 2, after 8 weeks, juveniles fed all four diets had no significant difference in final weight, percentage weight gain, or specific growth rate which averaged 11.46 g, 977%, and 3.08%/day, respectively. Percentage survival was not significantly different among treatments and averaged 79%. In Experiment 3, after 8 weeks, juvenile red claw fed all four diets had no significant difference in final weight, percentage weight gain, or specific growth rate which averaged 16.22 g, 457%, and 2.34%/day, respectively. Percentage survival was not significantly different among treatments and averaged 98%.

These results indicate that fish meal and shrimp meal can be totally replaced with soybean meal and BGY in diets for juvenile red claw crayfish. This may allow for less expensive diets by red claw producers, which may increase profitability.     

Increased spawning activity of female Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (L.) after stocking density and photoperiod manipulation

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of stocking density and photoperiod in increasing the reproductive performance of Oreochromis niloticus. In experiment 1, a change in stocking density (from 47.7 to 6.8 kg m^?3) was performed, with groups of 48 females moved to single compartments. In experiment 2, 36 females experienced a 6L:18D photoperiod for 21 or 28 days (stocking density: 31.3 kg m^?3) before being placed in individual compartments (stocking density of 6.9 kg m^?3, 12L:12D photoperiod). The spawning rates in experiment 1 (32.2%) and in experiment 2 (21 days: 65.2%, 28 days: 36.1%) were significantly higher than those in the control (17.7%). On the other hand, hatching and swim‐up fry rates were significantly lower in experiment 2 – 21 days (41.3%, 40.4%) but not in experiment 1 (64.0%, 56.3%) compared with the control (67.0%, 62.3%). The spawning rate in experiment 2 – 21‐day treatment group was the highest, while the number of eggs collected per female was significantly lower than that in the control. In experiments 1 (20.8%) and 2 (21 days: 44.4%, 28 days: 19.4%), the daily spawning rates were the highest 3 days after maintaining females in single compartments. The current experiment demonstrates how specific stocking density changes can be used to induce higher spawning rates in Nile tilapia.     

Effects of controlling temperature and light duration on seed production in tilapia, Oreochromis spilurus (Günther)

An experiment was conducted to compare the seed production of tilapia, Oreochromis spilurus (Günther), under ambient water temperature and photoperiod, and under controlled water temperature (29.0 ± 2.0 °C), and photoperiods of 13 and 14 h day^?1. Male and female breeders with average weights of 155.4 and 78.7 g, respectively, were stocked in nine 1.04 X 1.04 X 0.40 m (L X W X H) fibreglass tanks. Each tank was stocked with two males and six females. Seed collection was carried out biweekly for 300 days. The results showed that the seed kg^?1 female day^?1, seed m^?2day^?1, total seed production per tank and spawning rates of females were highest during the 14 h day^?1 photoperiod (112.4, 77.4, 24 724 and 42.1%, respectively), followed by ambient spawning conditions (104.0, 57.9, 18 356 and 36.6%, respectively), and lowest during the 13 h day^?1 photoperiod (49.5, 36.5, 12 021 and 25.7%, respectively). Under ambient spawning conditions, peak spawning occurred in May. Monthly seed production was affected by changes in temperature and light duration. In both controlled photoperiods, the peak of seed production was observed during the first month after stocking. In all treatments, spawning declined gradually after the peak, which can be attributed to exhaustion of the breeders. The findings of this study indicate that seed production of O. spilurus in Kuwait can be extended beyond the restricted spawning season of 6-7 months by maintaining water temperature at 29.0 ± 2.0 °C and photoperiod at 14 h day^?1.     

Spawning‐related mortality in captive Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.)

Two year‐classes of Atlantic cod were reared in indoor tanks from November 2002 to November 2004. The average annual mortality was 21% and 36% for males and females respectively. The highest monthly mortality rates in females were observed around and during the spawning periods from March to July, maximally 7% and 20% for year‐class 2001 and 18% and 34% for year‐class 2000. The mortality in males was less dependent on season, reaching a maximum of 7% and 5% month^?1 for year‐class 2001 and 2000 respectively. The maximum mortality during spawning increased with age from: 7%, 19% and 34% per month for 2‐, 3‐ and 4‐year‐old females respectively. The average gonadosomatic indices in 3‐ and 4‐year‐old mature females that died during the spawning periods were 22% and 26% respectively and most of them were spawning when they died. The results suggest that egg‐retention may have been the main cause of death in females during spawning.     

Growth and survival of juvenile yellowtail flounder Pleuronectes ferrugineus (Storer) under different photoperiods

Yellowtail flounder Pleuronectes ferrugineus (Storer) have been identified as a potential species for coldwater aquaculture along the north‐east coast of Canada. It has been shown that increased photoperiods improve growth and survival during the larval stage of this species. We conducted two experiments to determine the effect of photoperiod on the growth and survival of juveniles. The first experiment compared growth and survival under 24‐, 18‐ and 12‐h lighting per day with a restricted food ration. The second experiment compared growth and survival rates under the above photoperiods and ambient lighting with fish being fed to satiation. No significant differences in growth or survival were found in juveniles under the different photoperiods in either experiment.     

克氏原螯虾PcCyc基因克隆及其对光周期的表达响应

利用cDNA末端快速扩增技术克隆克氏原螯虾生物钟核心基因之一的周期循环蛋白(CYC)基因(命名为PcCyc基因)的部分cDNA序列.取雄性克氏原螯虾(体长9～11 cm)在全光谱日光灯不同光周期下(12L:12D、0L:24D和0L:72D)培养结束后,于7:00、11:00、15:00、19:00、23:00、翌日0...     

Effect on Growth, Survival, and Fatty Acid Composition of Australian Red Claw Crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus Fed Practical Diets With and Without Supplemental Lecithin and/or Cholesterol

Red claw crayfish Cherux quadricarinatus is one of more than a hundred species of Australian freshwater crayfish. However, because of its rapid growth rate, communal and non‐burrowing behavior, ease of spawning, wide temperature and dissolved oxygen tolerance, and no free‐swimming larval stages, red claw may be the best candidate among the Australian crayfishes for semi‐intensive or intensive aquaculture in the United States. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of growth, survival, and fatty acid composition of newly‐hatched red claw when fed four practical diets with or without lecithin and cholesterol. However, little is known of its nutritional requirements or practical diet formulations. An 8‐wk feeding trial was conducted in a recirculating system with newly‐hatched juvenile (mean individual weight, 0.2 g) red claw, each stocked in separate plastic mesh culture units containing their own individual water line. Water was recirculated through biological and mechanical filters. Practical diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (40% protein) and isocaloric (4 kcal available enerpy/g of diet) and contained menhaden fish meal (25%), soybean meal (35%, except in Diet 4), and shrimp meal (10%, except in Diet 4) as protein sources. Diet 1 had 0.5% lecithin added and 1.0% cholesterol added: Diet 2 contained 0% lecithin and 1.0% cholesterol; Diet 3 contained 0.5% lecithin and 0% cholesterol: and Diet 4 contained 0% lecithin and 0% cholesterol. After 8 wk, juvenile red claw fed diets with 0% supplemental lecithin (Diets 2 and 4) had no significant difference (P >0.05) in final weight and percentage weight gain (5.6 g and 2626%. respectively) compared to red claw fed the control diet (Diet 1) containing 0.5% lecithin. Red claw fed a diet without added cholesterol (Diet 3) had significantly (P 0.05) lower final weight (3.6 g) and percentage weight gain (1,717%) compared to red claw fed the control diet (Diet 1). However, red claw fed Diet 4 (containing 0% added cholesterol and 0% added lecithin) showed no significant (P >0.05) difference in final weight (5.1 g) and percentage weight gain (2254%) compared to red claw fed all other diets. There was no significant difference (P >0.05) among all diets for specific growth rate (SGR) which averaged 5.38%/d. Percentage survival was not significantly different among all treatments and was 76% for red claw fed Diet 1, 64% (Diet 2), 56% (Diet 3), and 80% (Diet 4). These results indicate that red claw fed Diet 4 containing 25% menhaden fish meal, 44.5% soybean meal, 0.5% choline chloride, 2% cod liver oil and 1% corn oil may satisfy the lecithin and cholesterol requirements and that the addition of dietary lecithin and cholesterol may not be necessary for good growth and survival of small (0.2 g) juvenile red claw. This may allow for less expensive diet formulations for use by producers of red claw crayfish.     

Shelter and lighting in the intensive rearing of juvenile crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus,Astacidae) from the onset of exogenous feeding

Recent advances on feeding in intensive rearing of juvenile astacids enable research of other factors influencing growth and survival without the confounding effect of inadequate feeding. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of the number of shelters per crayfish and to test different lighting conditions. Stage 2 juvenile Pacifastacus leniusculus were stocked in fibreglass tanks and fed a dry diet for salmonids combined with restricted amounts of decapsulated Artemia cysts. In experiment 1, four, two or one shelters per crayfish were tested for 80 days. No significant differences were found among groups either in survival (final mean: 86.67%) or in growth [final mean: 11.41 mm mean carapace length (CL), 355.45 mg mean weight]. In experiment 2, three lighting conditions were tested for 120 days: continuous lighting of 925 lx, continuous darkness and natural photoperiod. Survival rates ranged from 76.7% to 88.3%, with no significant differences among groups. The crayfish kept under continuous darkness grew faster (final mean: 12.70 mm CL, 543.08 mg weight) than those reared under the other two light conditions. This study shows that, under improved feeding conditions, a minimum number of shelters can be provided, and faster growth can be obtained in continuous darkness.     

Induced Maturation and Spawning of the Chinese Catfish Clarias fuscus

Chinese catfish ( Clarias fuscus ) were successfully spawned in Hawaii using human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) at dosage rates of two and four international units (IU) per gram body weight. Fish not injected with HCG did not produce viable eggs. Successful spawns with HCG occurred between May and October. Hatch rates of up to 80% were obtained during June, July, and August for those fish given either a 2 or 4 IU per gram body weight injection of HCG. Fish spawned in either May or October yielded significantly higher hatch rates when injected with 4 rather than 2 IU per gram body weight. Fish held at elevated temperatures (28 to 30 C) prior to the normal spawning season developed significantly larger oocyte diameters, 60 days earlier than fish held under ambient temperature conditions (21.5 to 24 C). Photoperiod manipulation at ambient temperature conditions was associated with earlier oocyte maturation, but photoperiod effects were much less important than temperature.     

Growth,Processing Measurements,Tail Meat Yield,and Tail Meat Proximate Composition of Male and Female Australian Red Claw Crayfish,Cherax quadricarinatus,Stocked into Earthen Ponds

Abstract

Small (0.7 g) juvenile red claw, Cherax quadricarinatus, were stocked in earthen ponds (0.04 ha) in Kentucky and grown for 86 days so that measures of growth, survival, processing characteristics, and proximate composition of tail muscle in male and female Australian red claw crayfish could be obtained. A commercial marine shrimp was fed to all red in two separate feedings, each consisting of one-half of the total daily ration between 0800-0830 and between 1530-1600 hours for the duration of the culture period. Total weight and number of red claw from each pond were recorded at the harvest. Forty red claw from each sex were randomly sampled, chill-killed by lowering the body temperature in an ice-bath, and frozen (-20°C) for processing measurements and proximate composition. Red claw were removed from the freezer, thawed, individually weighed to the nearest 0.01 g, and then were hand-processed so that weights of chelae, tail, and tail muscle were obtained to the nearest 0.01 g. After 87 days, red claw had a final average individual weight of 59.6 g, weight gain of 8,413%, survival of 64.0%, yield of 903 kg/ha, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 4.63. When analyzed by sex, males had significantly (P < 0.05) higher final individual weight (71.05 g) compared to females (53.65 g); higher (P < 0.05) chelae weight (13.1 g for males compared to 6.84 g for females); higher tail weight (25.53 g for males compared to 20.38 g for females); higher tail muscle weight (18.99 g for males compared to 14.89 g for females); and higher cephalothorax weight (32.41 g for males compared to 26.44 g for females; Table 2). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the percentage moisture, protein, lipid, fiber, and ash in the tail muscle of male and female red claw when analyzed either on a wet-weight basis and averaged 81.0%, percentage protein averaged 16.46%, percentage lipid averaged 0.16%, fiber averaged 0.1%, and percentage ash averaged 1.42%. Results from the present study indicate that red claw can be grown as a commercial aquaculture species in locations with limited growing seasons, and that male red claw grow larger, have larger chelae, and higher tail muscle weights compared to females so that it might be economically advantageous to stock all-male populations of red claw in ponds to achieve maximum production. Further research on growth and processing yields of red claw should be conducted to assist the industry.