Cultivation of Australian red-clawed crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus as a new object of aquaculture in industrial conditions of fish farms in Kazakhstan

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biodiversity and Bioresources, Almaty, Kazakhstan

2 LLP "Fisheries Research and Production Center", Almaty, Kazakhstan

3 NJSC “S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical University named after.”, Astana, Kazakhstan

4 Astrakhan State University named after V.N. Tatishchev, Professor of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Astrakhan, Russia

10.22124/cjes.2025.8943

Abstract

This study explores the cultivation of Cherax quadricarinatus (Australian red-clawed crayfish) under industrial aquaculture conditions in fish farms across Kazakhstan. The primary goal is to support the diversification of aquaculture by introducing new, adaptable species. Researchers evaluated the growth performance and adaptability of the species under controlled environments. Cultivation methods were tested for both juvenile and market-size specimens. During the juvenile rearing phase, optimal water quality parameters were maintained: temperatures between 25–28 °C, and pH, dissolved oxygen, NO₂, NO₃, and NH₄ levels remained within the normative thresholds required for this species under intensive aquaculture conditions. For optimal growth, juveniles should be reared starting from a weight of 2.5–3.0 g, with the use of high-quality feed rich in protein and essential nutrients. Once crayfish reach an average weight of 6.9 g, it becomes economically feasible to transition to feeds with reduced nutrient density, provided the feed contains no less than 41.4% crude protein, 9.4% crude fat, and 1.2% crude fiber. During the cultivation of market-size specimens of Australian red-clawed crayfish (C. quadricarinatus), water temperatures were maintained between 25–27 °C. The pH (hydrogen index) ranged from 7.9 to 8.2, while dissolved oxygen levels varied from 5.7 to 7.4 mg dm-³. Biogenic compounds remained within acceptable limits throughout the rearing process. Over the course of eight months, crayfish reared from an initial weight of 4.2 g reached an average marketable weight of 95.0 g. The findings from juvenile and commercial cultivation under industrial aquaculture conditions in Kazakhstan demonstrate that C. quadricarinatus adapts well and grows effectively in local fish farms. From an economic standpoint, the breeding of this species—similar to trends observed in other countries—proves to be profitable for Kazakhstan as well.
Based on the research outcomes, calculations of economic efficiency were performed, and the profitability of industrial cultivation technologies for Australian red-clawed crayfish in Kazakhstan’s fish farms was evaluated. The technologies developed show moderate profitability according to net profit indicators, with strong potential for increased returns upon full-scale implementation in the future. The implementation of such studies in the fish farms of Kazakhstan not only broadens the range of aquaculture products produced in the country but also promotes the development of technologies for non-traditional aquaculture species. This, in turn, supports economic growth in the fish farming sector, even in the absence of direct access to the sea.

Keywords

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Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences
Volume 23, Issue 3
July 2025
Pages 655-665

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