Redclaw Crayfish

Cherax quadricarinatus

The redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, is a tropical freshwater crayfish native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. It is also called Australian redclaw or Queensland redclaw. Mature males develop a red blister-like patch on the outer edge of each large claw, while the body is often blue-green to olive with lighter mottling. Compared with many temperate crayfish, it grows quickly in warm water and has a relatively smooth shell, a trait that helps distinguish it from the spiny-looking yabbies and marron in other Australian Cherax groups.

Redclaw are raised for food, stocked in aquaponics systems, and kept by experienced aquarium hobbyists. They require warm, well-oxygenated water, secure covers, and shelters because molting animals are vulnerable and stronger individuals may cannibalize smaller tankmates. Diets usually combine sinking pellets, leafy plant material, and modest animal protein, with attention to calcium and water quality for shell formation. Breeding can be prolific in captivity, so growers separate size classes and protect berried females or juveniles. As with other crayfish, local rules matter: escaped or released redclaw can establish in warm waterways and compete with native species.