The fecundity, time of egg development and juvenile production in spiny-cheek crayfish (Orconectes limosus) under controlled conditions

We comprehensively describe the fecundity and time of embryonic development of the spiny-cheek crayfish (Orconectes limosus). Linear relationships between female size and ovarian fecundity, pleopodal fecundity, and production of juveniles at the 3(rd) stage, were confirmed. The ovarian fecundity was evaluated for the smallest as well as largest females in the sampled population (43-93 mm of body length); the number of oocytes (eggs) ranged widely, between 46 and 505. No significant difference was found between the ovarian and pleopodal fecundity observed just after egg laying. The value of the female gonadosomatic index just before laying was 4.2 +/- 1.8% (0.8-7.7%). The mean diameter of eggs on female pleopods was 1.8. +/- 0.2 mm (1.45-2.15 mm). A statistically significant difference was found between the numbers of eggs carried on individual pairs of pleopods. Mean time from laying to hatching was 46 +/- 3.8 days (37-56 days), i.e. 647 +/- 39.9 CTU (Celsius Temperature Units = degrees Celsius x days). Mean production of juveniles at the 3rd stage was found to be 135.7 +/- 67.24 (15-243) juveniles. The early sexual maturation and also high number of juveniles at the 3(rd) stage per female gives this species a good predisposition for quick establishment in new localities.