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| Blue Crayfish |
Cherax Quadricarinatus (known by several common names, including Australian red claw crayfish, Queensland red claw, redclaw, tropical blue crayfish, yabby and freshwater blueclaw crayfish) is an Australian freshwater crayfish.
Cherax Quadricarinatus is found in permanent freshwater streams, billabongs and lakes on the north coast of the Northern Territory and northeastern Queensland. Populations are also found in Papua New Guinea. Through translocation by humans, the range has spread down to southern Queensland and into the far north of West Australia. Cherax Quadricarinatus is considered an invasive species, and has established feral populations in South Africa, Mexico, Jamaica and Puerto Rico.
This tropical crustacean is very tolerant of environmental changes, and is primarily a detritivore.
The colour of Cherax Quadricarinatus ranges from dark brown to blue-green and adult males have a distinct red patch on the outer margin of the claws. They can reach up to 600 grams (21 oz)
Identification of Cherax Quadricarinatus can be made by the 4 long distinct carinae (ridges) on the surface of the cephalon (head) hence the name Quadricarinatus. 2-3 days before they moult they will retreat to a hiding place without eating. Allow the moult to remain in the tank for consumption. They moult 3-4 times a year as juveniles & less as they get older. The males have a red claw (hence the common name) which develops with each moult this is absent in females. Also the females have more pigmentation on the thorax & abdomen area than the males
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