Culture model of Cherax quadricarinatus: Temporary shelter in shed and pond culture

The redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, is a valuable freshwater shrimp species with outstanding advantages and broad prospects for aquaculture. The culture of this crayfish has been gradually rising in the middle and lower sections of the Yangtze Plain. However, several problems such as short cultivation cycles, a lack of cultivation specifications, and low seedling survival rates are encountered when culturing this species in nontropical areas given that this particular crayfish is a tropical species. These conditions have hindered its development in the industry. Therefore, a scientific culture mode must be developed. This study explores the establishment of a culture model suitable for the characteristics of this crayfish: a temporary shelter used in shed and pond culture. The technology is described in terms of pond and shed construction, cleaning and disinfection, fertilization and water quality management, the cultivation of water grass, juvenile crayfish stocking, temporary shed shelter arrangements, pond culture management, disease and pathogen control, and harvesting. Results show that 1) the yield per hectare and survival rate of ponds with sheds were 2739.50 ± 307.53 kg ha−1 and 68.82% ± 4.23%, respectively, exceeding those of ponds with no sheds; 2) the highest yield and survival rate of ponds were measured as 3930.0 kg ha−1 and 77.73%, respectively (the shed area covered 220 m2, the temporary-keeping density was measured as 100 tails m−2, stocking occurred on April 15, 2019, the cultivation cycle lasted 182 days, and stocking density was measured as 87,300 tails ha−1); 3) the crayfish growout season ran from April to November. However, summer was the main growing season for the crayfish. After August, the growth rate decreased. In conclusion, the addition of sheds to temporary shelters provides a clear advantage in terms of both yields and survival rates. This culture model can meet cultivation demand in the middle and lower sections of the Yangtze Plain. Furthermore, the proportion of sheds in ponds should be increased, and stocking (in mid-April or earlier) and saling (appearance on the market in autumn) should occur earlier on. The cultivation cycle should be extended, and shed management should be the primary focus.