Growth, metabolic rate, and energy reserves of Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens, 1868) juveniles were evaluated in crayfish
acclimated for 16 weeks to either 25°C (temperature near optimum) or 20°C (marginal for the species). Additionally, the modulating effect of
ecdsyone on acclimation was studied. After 12 weeks of exposure, weight gain of both experimental groups acclimated to 25°C (control: C25, and
ecdysone treated: E25) was significantly higher than that of those groups acclimated to 20°C (C20 and E20). A total compensation in metabolic
rate was seen after acclimation from 25°C to 20°C; for both the control group and the group treated with ecdysone. A Q10
value significantly
higher was only observed in the group acclimated to 20°C and treated with ecdysone. A reduction of glycogen reserves in both hepatopancreas
and muscle, as well as a lower protein content in muscle, was seen in both groups acclimated to 20°C. Correspondingly, glycemia was always
higher in these groups. Increased lipid levels were seen in the hepatopancreas of animals acclimated to 20°C, while a higher lipid level was also
observed in muscle at 20°C, but only in ecdysone-treated crayfish.