Morphometric Characterization and Condition Factor of Procambarus clarkii (Decapoda: Astacidea: Cambaridae)in Cooling Wells at a Thermoelectric Power Plant in Colombia
González-Ruiz, Yesid de los ÁngelesPimiento-Ortega, Mabel GiovanaHerrera-Martínez, Yimy
Abstract This study characterized the population dynamics, morphometric traits, and condition status of a red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) population inhabiting a high-Andean artificial aquatic ecosystem in Colombia. Specimens were collected during two distinct climatic seasons rainy and dry and were subsequently assessed through measurements, weighing, and sex determination. The average density of individuals was significantly greater during the rainy season (10.05 individuals/m²) compared to the dry season (1.6 individuals/m²). The sex ratios exhibited seasonal variation, with a ratio of 1:1.6 in the rainy season and 1:2.5 in the dry season. Females, on average, displayed larger body dimensions, whereas males exhibited larger chelae, indicating the presence of sexual dimorphism. Growth patterns were predominantly positively allometric; however, this trend varied by sex and season, with negative allometry observed during the rainy season and positive allometry during the dry season. The condition factor ranged from 1 to 1.05, suggesting optimal development relative to findings from other studies. The stability of the population within the ecosystem appears to be influenced by low intraspecific competition, abundant resource availability, and anthropogenic factors, such as thermal modifications to the ecosystem. These environmental alterations create favorable conditions for P. clarkii, thereby enhancing its invasive potential and biological fitness. The results indicate that the population is well-established, which may facilitate its expansion and invasion into other regions.
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