Warm Water Culture of the Crayfish 'Pacifastacus leniusculus'

摘要

Experiments were performed that demonstrated the feasibility of extending the growth period of the Northwest crayfish Pacifastacus through the winter. Small-scale aquarium experiments and a literature survey revealed that adult Pacifastacus caught by normal fisheries techniques in the late summer and early fall could be maintained through the winter at elevated temperatures and that 20 degrees Centigrade appeared optimal. Experiments further revealed that the crayfish plague fungus Aphonomyces did not seriously impact the health of the crayfish and that simple fungicidal solutions may be effective in further mitigating the impact of the infections.