Growth and survival of Cherax destructor and Bidyanus bidyanus stocked in a communal aquarium system

Abstract

Polycultural aquaculture typically utilises a mix of low trophic level species to increase yield above that which can be obtained from a single species. Low trophic level species are not widely accepted for consumption within Australia, so this study focussed on two species that have market acceptance, the yabby (Cherax destructor) and the silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus). Laboratory scale trials examined the effect of each species on the growth and survival of the other species as well as the role of shelter for crayfish in this system over a 13.5 week period. Neither species negatively impacted the growth of the other, however, survival was negatively impacted. Shelter enhanced crayfish survival, although fish survival was impacted in those treatments. A higher total biomass was harvested from polyculture treatments than monoculture treatments. The positive results warrant further investigation at the scale of mesocosm, prior to large-scale pond trials.