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Abstract
Total and differential hemocyte counts in cultured juvenile marron, Cherax tenuimanus, were assessed and associated with differing conditions. Semi-intensively cultured marron grown on various dietary regimes: starved, fed, and well-fed, were sampled according to a serial hemolymph sampling and dissection schedule. Significant differences (P <0.05) in percentages of granulocytes in starved and well-fed marron hemolymph were observed from day two of the trial indicating the high sensitivity of this index with respect to condition. A significant difference (P <0.05) in mean total hemocyte counts (THC), between the starved and well-fed group was observed at day seven of the trial. A significant difference (P <0.05) in mean hepatopancreas moisture content between starved and fed treatment groups was seen at week two, four and six of the trial. Significant differences (P <0.05) in THC, hepatopancreas moisture (HM%), and wet hepatosomatic indices (HIwet) were established between semi-intensively cultured, farmed, and wildstock marron. Incorporating these sensitive hemocytological and physiological indices when interpreting condition will provide a more accurate indicator of freshwater crayfish condition.