Is Growth Inhibition in Regulated by Chemical Communication?

Due to high consumer demand for freshwater crustaceans, rearing technology is evolving towards intensive aquaculture. High stocking densities in such cultures result in close proximity of individuals. In this trial, we studied chemical communication and growth inhibition in order to clarify whether large males inhibit the growth of juveniles in Redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus). No growth inhibition was observed in juveniles grown in the rearing water of adults. The experimental design can be modified to test behavioural and visual cues that may also interfere with juvenile growth