Three experiments were conducted with juveniles of the crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus to investigate the
effect of intermittent feeding regimes on growth and the ability to tolerate the shortage of food. In experiment
1, stage III juveniles were assigned to one of seven intermittent feeding groups (from FS1: 1 day fed/1 day
non-fed to FS7: 7 days fed/7 days non-fed) and two control groups, continuously fed (CF) and continuously
starved (CS) animals; this experiment comprised a short-term intermittent feeding period until the first molt,
followed by a continuous feeding period. In the experiment 2, stage III juveniles were assigned to one of three
intermittent feeding groups (FS2 to FS4) and one control group (CF); it consisted of a prolonged intermittent
feeding period, until the end of the experiment. In the experiment 3, stage VI and VII juveniles were assigned
to one of three intermittent feeding groups (FS2 to FS4) and one control (CF); it also consisted of a prolonged
intermittent feeding period. The red claw crayfish juveniles were able to tolerate periods of intermittent
feeding and underwent compensatory growth after continuous feed was re-established. The ability of crayfish
to tolerate intermittent feeding was influenced by developmental stage and duration of the intermittent
feeding period. Stage III juveniles survived, but decreased growth, when subjected to prolonged intermittent
feeding. However, they showed full compensatory growth when the intermittent feeding period was short
and followed by continuous feeding. On the other hand, stage VI–VII tolerated 60 days of prolonged
intermittent feeding without any change in growth and survival. The hepatosomatic index (based on wet
weight) values of the treatments and the control were similar, suggesting that intermittent feeding may not
be considered a nutritional stress condition. The relative pleon weight (based on wet weight) values of the
treatments and control were similar suggesting low use of nutrients from the muscle to increase the chance
for survival. The juveniles of C. quadricarinatus can tolerate relatively long periods of low food availability and
this is an important adaptation for their survival in changing/unpredictable environments and an attribute
favorable for the production of the species