The number of age classes, numbers within age classes, survival rate, food availability and water quality will determine overall pond yield. Death losses increase from causes such as predators, stress, poor water quality, climate conditions and harvesting. Predation by fish or poor water quality can virtually destroy all crawfish in a pond. Fish can and must be controlled by summer draining and of a toxicant. An adequate supply of high quality water is one of the most important factors in successful crawfish production.
Aeration combined with recirculation or flushing with water of high oxygen is critical to survival.
The dissolved oxygen content should be a minimum of 3 ppm at all times. For intensive crawfish culture, the water should be recirculated at least two times a week during the fall and in the warmer months when oxygen levels are low. During the year, survival of an age class is usually less than ten percent after intensive harvesting. The survival rate is adequate to serve as brood stock. Stunting The principal causes of stunting include overcrowding, lack of food, poor water quality and insufficient trapping.