C. destructor is adapted to a wide range of water temperatures, between 1°C and 35°C. It does not grow at water temperatures below 15°C and falls into a state of partial hibernation (i.e. metabolism and feeding cease) when water temperature drops below 16°C (Withnall, 2000). Growth ceases at 34°C and mortalities start to occur at 36°C (Mills, 1983; Morrissy et al., 1990; Merrick and Lambert 1991; Morrissy and Cassells, 1992). The ideal temperature range for optimum growth is 20-25°C