Dietary diversity of the crayfish (Procambarus clarkii,Girard 1852) in the Nile River and its Branches, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University

2 National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries

3 National Water Research Center, Environment and Climate Research Institute

Abstract

Procambarus clarkii is one of the most abundant and commercial crustacean species all over the world. The geographical distribution of P. clarkii in the Egyptian water extends from the whole Delta region in the north to Qena Governorate in the south. The present study aimed to detect the feeding status and stomachs’ contents of P. clarkii live in different habitats of different five locations in the Nile River and its branches during summer and winter 2010. A total of 1450 Procambarus clarkii individuals were dissected to separate their stomachs. By overviewing of the stomachs examination results, there were much similarity between feeding status and dietary diversity of all P. clarkii specimens collected from the different locations of the study. The biotic contents of the stomach of P. clarkii  were classified into 3 groups; phytoplanktons, zooplanktons and zoobenthos. Also, there were much rubbish such as wood fibers, threads of nets and un-known stuff. Bacillariophyceae group considered the main group of phytoplanktons in the meal of P. clarkii and it was represented by many species i.e. Melosira sp., Nitzschia sp., Synedra sp. and Surirella sp. Rotifera considered the main group of zooplanktons and it was represented by many species, e.g. Keratella sp., Brachionus sp., Synchaeta sp., Trichocerca sp., Monostyla sp., and Lecane sp. Worms and insects in the larval form were represented the major contents of zoobenthos in P. clarkii’s meal.
 

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