Common Name: Lobster - Red Claw
Other Common Name(s): Redclaw Freshwater Lobster, Red Fresh Water Lobster, Australian Red Claw Crayfish
Scientific Name: Cherax quadricarinatus (Full Taxonomy)
Group: Crayfish
Origin or Range: Australia
Relative Size: Uncertain (as compared to other freshwater inverts)
Average Lifespan: ??? year(s)
Behavior & Compatibility: Relatively Non-Aggressive (as compared to other freshwater inverts)
Animal Category: Fish & Invertebrates (Freshwater Inverts)
Animal Description:
The Red Claw Crayfish, better known as the Red Claw, adds an interesting element to any aquarium. Their colorful appearance can liven up any tank. The Red Claw is a fun creature, and can provide hours of watching pleasure.
Red Claws are rather peaceful. In fact, they are pretty shy, and will spend most of their time hiding under rocks, only to come out at night. Red Claws may attack slower moving fish for food. Also, Red Claws will fight with each other. Red Claws spend their time either at the bottom of the tank, or climbing various obstacles, including plants, heaters, filters and airlines. Red Claws are escape artists, and enjoy the challenge of escaping their confines. Their aquarium should be covered, and should have moderate rock and plant decoration. The Red Claw should have plenty of places to hide, especially during molting, when they are more susceptible to being attacked. PVC tubing is great, but both ends need to be open, and it should be wide enough for the Red Claw.
At maturity, Red Claw Crayfish usually grow to around 20 centimeters in length, though individuals as large as 30 centimeters have been reported. Being an invertebrate, they have a hard outer shell. The Red Claw has varying color patterns, from tan with pastel, to dark blue or black, with golden highlights. Red Claws have light blue claws with bright red spots. This is where they get their name. It is also worthy to note that a different diet will produce varying hues to their external supportive covering.
The Red Claw has an amazing ability to regenerate. If they lose a limb in a fight, it will grow back within a month. Red Claws live to be four to five years of age, and usually obtain a maximum weight of 300 g. They have four ridges on their dorsal surface, which distinguishes them from other crayfish.
The Red Claw Crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, is originally from Australia. These creatures are highly prized in Cajun dishes, because they are larger and meatier than their Louisiana counterpart, the Red Swamp Crayfish. They are gaining popularity as a food source due to their excellent nutritional value and low fat.
Relative Care Ease: Average
Specific Care Information:
The Red Claw does best in tropical fish water conditions. Their water temperature should be between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and slightly alkaline water, with a pH level between 6.5 and 8. Red Claws are scavenging omnivores, and will eat whatever they can get their claws on. Their primary diet should include plant matter, worms and even certain vegetables. However, they will munch on what ever falls to the bottom of the tank.
Relative Breeding Ease: Relatively Difficult
Breeding and Propagation:
The Red Claw will most likely breed between September and April. During spawning, the male deposits sperm on the belly of the female. Eggs are released in the next 24 hours, and are fertilized by the sperm. The eggs are attached to the legs of the female, and will hatch roughly 10 weeks later. If disturbed during this period, the female will give up on them. Approximately, 200 to 1000 eggs are produce in each spawn. The Red Claw is capable of reproducing when it is one year old. This species has been bred in captivity.
