Effect of temperature on lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates levels during development from egg extrusion to juvenile stage of Cherax quadricarinatus (Decapoda: Parastacidae)

The influence of temperature on biochemical composition, survival and duration of development of Cherax quadricarinatus from egg extrusion to juvenile was analyzed. Berried females were individually subjected to each of 22, 25, 28 and 31°C (n=5 per temperature). Egg samples were obtained every 3 days from egg extrusion to juvenile stage for biochemical analysis. Duration of development and survival decreased with increasing temperature. At 22 and 25°C half of the initial lipid content was consumed during development. At 28 and 31°C, 80% of the initial amount of lipids was consumed. For proteins, depletion rate was significantly lower at 25°C (36% of the initial amount) than at 22, 28 and 31°C (61-65% of the initial amount). For carbohydrates, a significant consumption was observed only at 22°C. Total energy consumption was lower at 22 and 25°C than at 28 and 31°C. We conclude that 22-25°C is the optimal temperature range for C. quadricarinatus egg incubation, although 25°C might be better in terms of development duration in terms of survival, energy cost and protein consumption.