Freshwater Crayfsih as a Suitable Species for Introducing to Aquaculture of IRAN

Increasing the diversity of aquatic species on the country's aquaculture farms is one of the most important goals of Iranian fisheries Organization. In addition to improvement in exploitation of water resources and increasing production can be increases the selecting ability of consumers. In this regard, native species have priority and also aquatic organisms producers prefers species with high nutritional and economic market value. Freshwater crayfish is one of the best candidates to achieve this goal. Narrow clawed crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus, have unique features as it is one of the most important freshwater crayfish in aquaculture. This species is endemic in IRAN. The most important advantages of this speciescan be mentioned to high fecundity, high adaptability (salinity 0-14 ppt, temperature 1-30 oC and oxygen 1-2 ppm), higher growth, more resistance to diseases and diversity in diets.This species can be able to culture in both freshwater and brakishwater system. The amount of its production per hectare varies from 200 to 3000 kg per hectare depending on the equipment and culture conditions. It has a very good world market, as it sells over $ 8 per kilogram and even up to $ 20 for consumers, especially in European countries. Finally, crayfish culture can be favorable for Iranian aquaculture industry because of suitable conditions availability in warm water aquaculture, natural and semi natural reservoirs.