Effect of temperature on growth, survival, thermal behavior, and critical thermal maximum in the juveniles of Macrobrachium occidentale (Holthuis,1950) (Decapoda: Caridea: Palaemonidae) from Mexico

The effect of water temperature on growth, survival, and thermal behavior was studied in the juveniles of the prawn Macrobrachium occidentale (Holthuis, 1950) by exposing them to a replicate experimental design that included the complete temperature range in its natural environment. The optimal growth was between 25 degrees C and 28 degrees C. Survival was 100% at 22 degrees C, 97% at 28 degrees C, and 92% at 25 degrees C and 31 degrees C. The final thermal preference was 27.7 degrees C with no significant effect from acclimation temperature (Kruskall Wallis, P > 0.05). The different values for critical thermal maximum (CTMax), depending on acclimation temperature, were 37.5 degrees C, 38.4 degrees C, 39.4 degrees C, and 40.8 degrees C, all were significantly different (ANOVA, P < 0.05). The calculated acclimation response ratio ranged from 0.37 to 0.53. These values agree with other values obtained for other decapod crustaceans from tropical and sub-tropical climates. This information aims to help understand the survival of Macrobrachium prawns facing temperature variations.