Redclaw Farming

Distribution of Redclaw Crayfish in Australia Commercial farming of Redclaw Crayfish (Cherax Quadricarinatus), a native to North Queensland, Northern Territory and Papua New Guinea river systems was first trialed in South Queensland in the 1980’s.

The Redclaw species has many biological prerequisites suitable for commercial Aquaculture, particular its ease of reproduction. Breeding activity is stimulated by water temperature with incubation taking approximately 6 to 10 weeks.

 
Redclaw Farming in Ponds Redclaw are often farmed in earthen ponds with most pond sizes averaging around 1000 square meters (0.1HA). Production levels exceeding 4 tons per hectare have been reported by experienced producers. As Redclaw are not native to South Queensland, farming the species is subject to Department of Primary Industries (DPI) approval. License conditions do require that the species are secured by a solid perimeter fence and that water is secured to prevent escape of the species.
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