General Information

The redclaw (Cherax quadricarinatus) is a freshwater crustacean which can grow to 500 grams (17.7 oz) or the size of a small marine lobster during it's lifetime of approximately 5 years. The name "redclaw" is derived from the soft red patch present on the claws of mature males. Female redclaw do not possess this red patch and instead have a more petite, completely calcified blue claw.

Freshwater crayfish or crawfish are a traditional food in many European countries. However the exceptionally large size of the redclaw, combined with the inherent quality control of aquaculture makes it a highly sought after commodity internationally.In recent times redclaw have become popular in non-traditional markets, such as the United States, due to the lobster-like characteristics of the animal and the extremely low content of fat, cholesterol and salt. Redclaw are normally marketed from 30 to 150 grams (1-5 oz), with the most common market size between 60 and 120 grams (2-4 oz) per animal. World production of redclaw is currently around 600 metric tons per year. Estimated global demand is presently at 5000+ metric tons per year. Unfortunately the majority of existing redclaw producers lack the necessary technology to continuously extract high yields and therefore supply of product has been limited to date. In tropical aquaculture, the redclaw can be grown to an average size of 90 grams (3.2 oz) during each 6 month culture cycle. With the right advice and management, a tropical redclaw project can consistently produce upwards of 3,000 kilograms per hectare per year (7,000 lb/ha/yr) and yield an average return of 40% per annum on the project investment.