Species profile

Red Claw Crayfish

Cherax quadricarinatus

Common names: Red Claw Crayfish, Australian Redclaw Crayfish, Queensland Red Claw

Recognized speciesCrayfish

Adult size

Up to 25 cm

Typical adult length 15–25 cm.

Up to 25 cm

Countries of origin

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

Mature planted aquarium setups
Advanced shrimp keepers
Breeding colonies

Think carefully if

The aquarium contains shrimp-eating fish
The tank is newly cycled
Water conditions change frequently

A large tropical Australian crayfish that requires a very spacious, secure aquarium and can injure or consume tankmates.

Appearance and Identification

Large blue-green to brown crayfish; mature males develop a distinctive red patch on the outer margin of each major claw.

Cherax quadricarinatus is the Australian Red Claw Crayfish. The red claw patch is most developed in mature males and should not be expected in juveniles or females.

Mature males develop a red patch on the outer edge of the major claws; females lack this prominent red patch and have different reproductive openings.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter: About 800–1,000 litres an hour
Suggested heater: About 200–300 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume: 200 litres
Minimum tank length: 120 cm
Minimum group size: 1
Recommended group size: 1
Activity level: High
Flow preference: Moderate
Planting preference: Lightly planted
Hiding places: Yes
Lid recommended: Yes
Jumping risk: High

Use a very large escape-proof aquarium with heavy filtration, protected equipment, stable hard water, and shelters large enough for moulting adults.

Behaviour and Tankmates

Large, powerful bottom-dweller that excavates, rearranges décor, climbs equipment, and captures vulnerable animals.

Usually safest kept singly. Multiple adults need commercial-scale space and abundant shelters.

Strongly territorial around shelters and during moulting.

Not suitable for ordinary community aquariums. Most fish, shrimp, snails, plants, and other crayfish may be damaged or eaten.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature: 22–28 °C
pH: 7–8.2
GH: 8–20
KH: 4–15
TDS: 180–400
Stability importance: Very important

Provide hard, alkaline water, strong filtration, spacious floor area, shelters, and a secure cover. Adults are territorial and produce substantial waste.

Parameter caveat

Check local regulations before keeping or transporting this widely introduced species, and never release it outdoors.

Feeding

Diet types: Omnivore, Predator, Scavenger
Feeding frequency: Daily
Preferred foods: Complete large-crayfish foodUse as the main balanced diet.
Vegetable and leaf materialProvide regularly for fibre and foraging.
Animal-based sinking foodUse moderately and remove uneaten food.

Large opportunistic omnivore. Feed complete crayfish food, vegetables, plant material, and controlled animal protein.

Monitor water quality closely because large crayfish produce substantial waste.

Breeding

Breeding type: Direct Developer, Egg Brooder
Breeding difficulty: Moderate
Breeding temperature: 27 °C
Breeding pH: 7.5
Brood or egg count: Several hundred eggs in large females
Incubation: 35 days
Parental care: Maternal care
Baby foods: Fine complete crayfish foodProvide frequent small meals and extensive shelter.

Females carry large broods beneath the abdomen. Juveniles require separation, shelter, and frequent feeding to reduce cannibalism.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin: Australia, Papua New Guinea
Natural habitat: Lake, Reservoir, River, Wetland
Aquarium contexts: Species-Only Aquarium, Very Large Freshwater Aquarium
Audience level: Advanced

Classification

Profile type: Recognized species
Genus: Cherax
Family: Parastacidae
Species group: Crayfish

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