Reproduction of Procambarus llamasi in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS)

Resumen

Objective: The reproductive potential of Procambarus llamasi was evaluated in an aquaculture recirculation system (ARS).

Design/methodology/approach: The organisms were collected in the community of Xmaben, Hopelchén, Campeche. The experiment was carried out from August to September 2023 in the livestock area of the Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Campeche. An experimental design with three treatments and one control was used, each with three replicates, randomly distributed in an ARS as follows: T1: 1Male:2Females, T2: 1M:3F, and T3: 1M:4F, and the control. Water physicochemical parameters were recorded daily, and biometric measurements were taken biweekly along with the count of ovigerous females.

Results: The culture of P. llamasi in ARS allows for development and reproduction. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the behavior of the water’s physicochemical parameters, despite ammonium levels fluctuating around 0.2 mg/L. The optimal ratio with the highest number of ovigerous females was treatment two (1M:3F), making this the recommended ratio for Procambarus culture in Campeche.

Study limitations/implications: It is necessary to test this type of culture system with other Procambarus species found in the state, analyzing molting production and calcium concentration in the aquaculture recirculation system.

Findings/conclusions: The acocil (freshwater crayfish) is a viable alternative for obtaining animal protein and can be cultivated in family backyard systems in rural areas of Campeche.