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 available in limited quantities throughout the year. They can survive and prosper in a wide variety of environmental conditions.

Our redclaw are cultivated in a ‘clear water’ production system and hence the product is of the highest quality.

Of the over one hundred species of freshwater crayfish indigenous to Australia, redclaw are one of only three species that are commercially produced.

The Product as Food

In the early 1980’s, redclaw, then known as Queensland Marron, were identified as a potential for aquaculture because of its desirable biological characteristics and the high quality of the product for human consumption. In particular, it had an appealing flavour and a high meat yield.

By 1986, the first commercial redclaw farm, F.A.C.T. Pty Ltd, was turning out commercial quantities of redclaw for human consumption. Our farm (F.A.C.T. Pty Ltd) had been producing Western Australian Marron, prior to this point, but has produced redclaw ever since.

We produce two grades of redclaw:

1. 50-90g crays
2. 90g plus crays

The product is sold live and hence, the freshness is guaranteed.

Availability

Redclaw crayfish are commercially farmed throughout the year. There is no seasonality to supply and as such our redclaw are continuously available.

Availability, however, is subject to the normal rules of supply and demand and hence, at times can be sold out. Please check on availability when placing an order to avoid disappointment.

Packaging and Delivery

Adult redclaw are graded, purged, chilled and packaged into Styrofoam boxes before being delivered directly from our farm to your premises. The product is always sold live unless other arrangements have been made.

They can be delivered directly to businesses, homes and shops, in most areas of south-east Queensland.

Our delivery vans service most areas between Caloundra and Tweed Heads and go as far west as Toowoomba.

Storage

Although the product is generally delivered live, this is a feature to guarantee freshness. Keeping the product live may be difficult and as such we recommend refrigeration if the redclaw are to be used within 48 hours or freezing them if the intended period before use is longer than 48 hours.

Cost

Price may vary for a variety of reasons.

A delivered price can be quoted on request (Phone: 07 5463 8226).