Natural growth and reproduction in Triops granarius (Lucas) (Crustacea : Notostraca)

Field sampling during successive inundations was followed by laboratory studies on growth, egg production and hatching of Triops granarius from temporary pans in southern Africa. The species was common where mean inundation was less than one month. Sexual maturity was reached in as little as six days at a carapace length of 6.5 mm. A biomass of 2.0 g, at carapace length of 25 mm was achieved in two months. Males and females occurred in similar numbers and mating was a prerequisite for sustained fertile egg production. As a candidate for aquaculture, the species has failings such as low hatching rate and cannibalism, but it grows rapidly and produces eggs over an extended period.