A review of genetic improvement in growth rate in redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens) (Decapoda: Parastacidae)

This paper provides a review and summary of strain comparison and selective breeding work carried out on redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens) at the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Freshwater Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Walkamin. Redclaw crayfish are a highly marketable, environmentally tolerant, freshwater crayfish with a moderately fast, but variable, growth rate. Five strains of the species were assessed morphologically and in terms of age at maturity. A non-replicated production trial was also carried out before two strains, from the Gilbert and Flinders rivers in North Queensland, were chosen to be part of an experimental selective breeding programme for improved growth. Initially, 14 families of each strain were randomly mated and grown out. At this point, a size-related selection took place, with the largest animals from each family forming a selected line, and individuals from around the mean forming a control line. Within-family selection and reciprocal mating between families was performed. Data were collected after each of two generations of growout and analysed by analysis of variance. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were measured between strains, sexes and between selected and control lines. Selected individuals grew 9.5% faster than the controls. Recommendations for selective breeding research involving freshwater crayfish are presented.