engleski

Condition index of stone crayfish throughout a year

The stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium) is one of four native European freshwater crayfish species inhabiting Croatian freshwater habitats. It can be found at higher altitudes in streams and rivers belonging to the Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea drainages. Since it was never of an economic importance, it was not frequently studied so the results presented in this paper are contribution to the knowledge on stone crayfish condition, as a possible tool for evaluating protection and restocking measures of this threatened species. The research included three populations in three streams within the Nature Park “Medvednica”, north-west Croatia, and it was conducted during the 18 months period. Crayfish condition was determined for both sexes, separately for juvenile and adult crayfish, using condition factor (CF), Fulton’s condition factor (FCF) and crayfish constant (CC). Condition indices varied throughout a year (between seasons), and there were significant differences in recorded values between females and males, as well as between juveniles and adults. Obtained results for all three indices are compared between populations and discussed in details.

condition indices; Austropotamobius torrentium; Croatia

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