The growth of Cherax quadricarinatus (fresh water crayfish) in glass aquaria at Hardap dam, Namibia

Abstract

This research project was conduct at Hardap Dam at the Eco Fish Farm about 250 km south of Windhoek for the duration of six months starting on the 15th March to the 17th September 2004. Its objective is to determine the growth of Cher ax quadricarinatus, an Australian freshwater crayfish, in glass aquaria with respect to feed types. Experiment results showed that crayfish under controlled water quality and fed with a balanced diet rich in protein, carbohydrate and fat resulted high growth rates compared to those fed with poor balance diets

Mixed diet (control) produced the highest growth rate of 4.5 with catfish and potato diets attained growth rate of 3.3 and 3.2 respectively and flakes diet with the lowest growth rate of 3 Low mortality rate was recorded generally caused by power failure. To improve the successful rearing of C.quadricarinatus in Namibia, I would encourage the Namibian Government, NGOs and Private sectors should be encouraged to form up a joint venture with outside countries that have already experienced the knowledge of rearing C.quadricarinatus to share experiences