ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Concentration of the Total Hemolymph Protein of the Australian Red-clawed Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus, Von Martens 1868) Grown in Artificial Conditions

Aim. The concentration of total protein in the hemolymph of the Australian red-clawed crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus, Von Martens 1868, contained in artificial conditions in closed water supply installations and an aquarium complex, was studied.

Methodology. The object of the study was the Australian red-clawed crayfish, a total of 161 individuals were used in the experiment. Crayfish were kept in closed water supply installations. To study the protein concentration depending on the time of year, samples were taken and analyzed in the period 2021-2023: January – winter; April – spring; August – summer; September, October and November – autumn.

To conduct an experiment to study the total protein content of cancer hemolymph, depending on the water temperature, three experimental groups of 15 cancers were formed in each. The experimental groups were seated in three aquariums, with a water temperature of 20, 25, 30 ° C. The duration of the crayfish exposure was 10 days. On the tenth day, hemolymph was collected. The total hemolymph protein was determined by the refractometric method.

Results. It was found that the concentration of total protein in the hemolymph can be in the ranges from 10.8 to 108.8 g/l and average 50.5 ± 21.1 g/l. In crustaceans kept in unfavorable conditions, the concentration of total protein was 1.6 times lower. There were no differences in protein concentration at different seasons of the year. After molting, the concentration of total protein in the hemolymph decreases 2.7 times. It was found that short-term exposure of cancer in water with a temperature of 20, 25, 30 ° C does not lead to a change in the total protein content.

Conclusion. A wide range of total protein concentrations may indicate a high adaptive potential of this organism. A decrease in the concentration of total protein may be due to the presence of a crustacean in unfavorable conditions and its defeat by a bacterial agent. It is noted that the change in protein concentration at different times of the year in a crustacean under artificial conditions cannot be interpreted as seasonal fluctuations.