Behavioral aspects in the domestication of crustaceans on the example of the australian red-clawed crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus)

The rearing of a number of crustacean species is traditionally based on the use of natural biological resources, which makes it necessary to develop methods for their domestication. The most important factor in domestication is the behavior of crustaceans at different stocking densities. Since it is known about the high waste in crayfish farms as a result of competition and cannibalism, it is necessary to develop ways of breeding crayfish according to the criterion of individual behavior. This article provides an analysis of the world experience in studying the behavior of crustaceans and correlates with the pilot data obtained on individual behavior and injury analysis in crayfish in groups. Earlier studies revealed that for the Australian crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) , in order to maintain the lowest level of mortality, the ratio of females to males should be 4:1, and in our pilot studies, a preliminary ratio of 1:1 for adults was shown. At the same time, the largest individuals (more than 30 g, mostly males) were the least susceptible to injury. In the pilot studies, crayfish differed in their level of response to novelty and their level of boldness, which depends on repeated responses to a frightening stimulus. The prospect of developing a method for early diagnosis of the boldness level of the Australian crayfish is proposed in order to separate the most "bold" individuals, used for fattening for more than 1 year in individual boxes (delicatessen: 50 - 500 g), and with a reduced level of boldness ("shy": 20 - 50 g) for group commercial rearing.