Abstract:
The phototactic behavior of the American
crayfish Procambarus clarkii was investigated in aquaria and a
large tank to determine their sensitivity thresholds to light and possible
harvesting applications. Adult and juvenile crayfish were found to be
positively phototactic and their attraction to light was highest at an
intensity of 1,290 lx. Conversely, post-embryonic crayfish were negatively
phototactic and moved away from the light source at intensities higher
than 111 lx. Fishing trials using traps with four open funnel entrances
under lighted and dimmed lamps, fish baited and non-baited treatments
tested the application of trapping with lamps as an alternative harvesting
method. Results showed that traps with lighted and dimmed lamps captured
similar numbers of crayfish, that in some cases they catch significantly
more crayfish than non-baited traps, but that their catching performance
was lower than fish baited traps. Possible applications of this novel
luring method are further discussed, as well as its implications in eradication
programs and harvest from aquaculture ponds.
Ahmadi , Gunzo Kawamura and Miguel Vazquez Archdale, 2008. Mechanisms of Phototaxis in American Crayfish, Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) Following Different Methods of Trapping. Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, 3: 340-352.
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