The Australian red-clawed crayfish (Cherax quadicarinatus Von Martens 1868) is a promising aquaculture object for the south of the Russian Federation

Abstract

The paper presents information about a promising aquaculture object for the south of the Russian Federation - the Australian red-clawed crayfish Cherax quadicarinatus Von Martens 1868. A brief description of its biological characteristics, which are the main factor in the development of specific biotechnologies for its commercial cultivation, is given. The main limiting factor in the artificial cultivation of this species is water temperature. The article indicates that for Russian conditions, three possible directions for growing Australian crayfish can be distinguished: in ponds in the southern regions of Russia in natural climatic conditions (summer); in ponds, cages and pools on warm waters of energy facilities in the summer; in closed water supply installations – year-round. A technology has been proposed for combined cultivation of crayfish, in which the production of juveniles is carried out in controlled basin conditions, and the cultivation of commercial products in earthen ponds in warm seasons, when the water temperature corresponds to the biological needs of the species.