Knowledge and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems (Jan 2006)

BIOLOGY OF PROCAMBARUS CLARKII (GIRARD, 1852) IN LAKE TRASIMENO

  • DÖRR A. J.M.,
  • LA PORTA G.,
  • PEDICILLO G.,
  • LORENZONI M.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1051/kmae:2006018
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 0, no. 380-381
pp. 1155 – 1168

Abstract

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The aim of this study was to gather more informations about the biological characteristics of Procambarus clarkii and to investigate the reasons of its rapid expansion in Lake Trasimeno. Specimens of both sexes (544 males and 624 females) were collected from October 2000 to November 2001. During the sampling period physical factors such as water temperature and hydrologic level of LakeTrasimeno were recorded. The study was conducted monthly in order to assess this species’ reproductive period. 1,168 specimens were analyzed for colour, sex, weight, and length. The sexual maturation of gonads was investigated in females. The results of this study evidenced that the population is in expansion, showing that Lake Trasimeno is an optimal habitat for this species.

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