Crayfish Aquaculture

Crayfish have been in demand as desirable food items around the globe for centuries, and entrepreneurs have capitalized on this demand by developing and applying aquaculture principals for the intentional culture of this freshwater crustacean. The current state of the art has advanced within the last half century and is centered on a handful of species, represented by three different families, with some level of commercial production occurring on all continents except Antarctica. Procambarus clarkii (family Cambaridae), a native of south central USA, is cultured in the USA and China and easily forms the bulk of farm-raised and wild-captured crayfish globally. One North American species (Pacifastacus leniusculus) and two European species (Astacus astacus and A. leptodactylus) constitute the main cultured species from the family Astacidae and are grown in small operations throughout Europe and parts of Asia. Four species (Parastacidae), all natives of Oceania, are cultured in their native ranges and were also introduced for aquaculture in several locations around the globe. Cherax destructor and C. albidus, both commonly referred to as yabby, are medium-size crayfish and share similar life histories, whereas C. quadricarinatus (redclaw crayfish) and C. cainii (smooth marron) are larger and more valuable but have very different geographical origins. While commercial crayfish aquaculture is typically based on an extensive or semi-extensive production approach in earthen ponds, more intensive approaches may involve selective breeding, improved strains, brood or nursery phases, and use of raceways or recirculation systems. Pond size can range from 0.05 to 80 ha, depending on the species cultured. Harvesting is accomplished mainly by baited trap, although other gear and techniques are sometimes employed. Global crayfish aquaculture production has expanded significantly in the last decade, due largely to the integration of Procambarus clarkii with that of rice production in the USA and China. This integrated system of production works well because rice farming has similar requirements as crayfish aquaculture, such as clay soils, irrigation systems, and suitable climates; furthermore, the rice crop residue provides the base of the food web for furnishing sustenance to growing crayfish.