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Poster Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A60]

Presenter: Leila Myriette Santos-Diaz

Faculty Sponsor: Kara Roche

School: Mount Wachusett Community College

Research Area: Animal Science

ABSTRACT

In this study, the Marbled Crayfish poses a growing ecological threat due to its rapid reproduction rate. Genetic evidence tied to the Slough Crayfish (Procambarus fallax) confirms a spontaneous mutation arose in a single individual resulting in the new species emerging–the Marbled Crayfish (Procambarus virginalis). The unusual genetic malfunction transformed the original fertilization-based reproductive habits to an entirely asexual mode of reproduction known as parthenogenesis. Despite the Marbled Crayfish being exact female clones of one another, their success as a highly invasive species skyrocketed as they established populations within North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Their rapid spread and competition with native species threaten local ecosystems. As a proposition, to control their population, Madagascar is harvesting them as food, as they are a great source of protein and contain a valuable amount of chitin. A study conducted between October 2019 to September 2020 involved hand-collecting 768 Marbled Crayfish, housing them in separate tanks, and feeding them experimental diets. This was done to determine which control feed resulted in the highest weight gain by monitoring their length, weight, weight gain per tank, survival, and overall growth performance. Findings from the study indicate that Marbled crayfish meat is slowly going to be incorporated into European meals because of their suitability for certain dishes and appetizers. This research aims to increase the public and industry awareness of marbled crayfish as a sustainable food resource in hopes to help stabilize the invasive population.