Juvenile Redclaw Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus)
Brief Background
Redclaw crayfish are a species of freshwater crayfish indigenous to Queensland and the Northern Territory. Originally, they were confined to waterways associated with the Gulf river system in Australia, but today they are present in most water catchment systems in Queensland.
Redclaw have been commercially farmed in south-east Queensland since 1986 and are marketed as both adult crays and juveniles through the year.
Redclaw are an omnivorous crustacean which predominately feeds on vegetation. They can survive and prosper in a wide variety of environmental conditions.
Uses
Live juvenile redclaw (2-6cm in length) are widely marketed as feeder crayfish, to be used as live food for many aquatic animals such as: fish, turtles, platypus and some aquatic birds.
They are an excellent live bait for some species of fish but there are legal restrictions which may apply to where this can be lawfully done.
Availability
Feeder crayfish are commercially farmed in south-east Queensland and although they only breed and grow in the warmer months, they are available to purchase throughout the year.
Packaging and Delivery
Feeder crayfish are packaged live in plastic bags with water and oxygen whereby they are delivered directly from our farm to your premises. They can be delivered directly to businesses, homes and shops, in most areas of south-east Queensland.
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- Feeder Crays packaged
Our delivery vans service most areas between Caloundra and Tweed Heads and go as far west as Toowoomba.
Storage
If the feeder crayfish are to be stored live for extended periods, then the main factors to be considered are:
- The water should be cool. In a general sense, it can be considered that the warmer the water, the higher the possibility of problems. An ideal storage temperature would be between 15°C and 20°C.
- The water should be well aerated. Although redclaw crayfish can survive for short periods in low level oxygen water, for high survival rates the oxygen level should be high (˃4mg/L).
- Do not feed! Redclaw can survive for extended periods without feeding. Feeding can push up nitrogenous waste levels in the water, possibly polluting it and may result in significant mortalities.
Cost
The cost depends on the number purchased and may vary throughout the year.
Current prices are available on request (Phone: 07 5463 8226).
