Breeding aspects of the crayfish Cambarellus (Cambarellus) montezumae (Crustacea: Decapoda: Cambaridae) under controlled conditions

Cambarellus (C.) montezumae is an endemic crayfish from Mexico, which actual distribution is restricted to few lacustrine bodies of water. Here we present results on the reproduction of this species under controlled conditions with the aim to determine the feasibility of the production of eggs and juveniles, as an strategy for their rescue, re-population and culture. Two experimental assays were conducted, the first one, in 4 outdoor 800-L tanks recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS) and the second, in 2-L plastic containers under laboratory conditions (PCL). For the first assay, 219 brooders were used during 335 days, obtaining 136 ovigerous females. Each female produced an average of 45 +/- 23 eggs per spawn.. The eclosioned eggs averaged 83.7%, obtaining 3 162 juveniles. In RPL, F1 organisms obtained from RAS were maintained in a relation of 1 female: 2 male with 10 repetitions. Egg production was variable with an average of 34 eggs per females. Performance indicators showed significant differences (P <= 0.05) between males and females in 6 indicators. Results indicated the feasibility of culture and production of eggs and juveniles.