| Summary: | Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus
clarkii) is an important crayfish species for both aquaculture and
ornamental purposes. In this study, growth performance, survival rate, and
molting cycle were evaluated with three feeding frequencies, including every
other day (2F1), two (F2) and four times (F4) daily in two different age
classes (Size I, 15 days old and Size II, 45 days old). The study was carried
out in 50 L glass aquariums with three replicates for 12 weeks. The highest
final mean weight (FMW) of Size I group was found in F4 (P<0.05). F2 and F4
groups attained higher final mean weight, final mean total length (FMTL) and
final mean carapace length (FMCL) for Size II (P<0.05). Although there were
no statistical differences in survival rates (SR) of Size I (P>0.05), the
highest SR was recorded in F2 for both size groups. Molting cycle of F2 was the
highest for Size I and there was a moderate increase from F2 to F4 in Size II
group. In conclusion, F4 for Size I and F2 for Size II groups are recommended.
Further feeding studies such as starvation and refeeding cycles, feeding rate,
feeding time, etc. are necessary for this important crayfish species.
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