Can I keep two Australian Redclaw Crayfish together?

Yes, but it requires a very large footprint (at least 200 litres) with abundant, separate visual barriers and tight hiding spaces (like PVC pipes) for each individual. Otherwise, they will fight over territory, often resulting in lost limbs or death, particularly when one is vulnerable after a moult.

Why has my Redclaw Crayfish turned pale and stopped moving?

It is likely preparing to moult. Crayfish shed their exoskeleton to grow, during which time they become reclusive, stop eating, and their colour may dull. It is crucial not to disturb them during this stressful and vulnerable process.

Will my Redclaw Crayfish eat my live aquarium plants?

Absolutely. Redclaws are omnivorous bulldozers that will systematically uproot, cut down, or consume almost any rooted aquatic plant in the aquarium. Stick to floating plants or artificial decor.

How do I prevent my crayfish from escaping?

Crayfish are exceptional escape artists and will use airline tubing, heater cables, and filter uplift tubes to climb out of the tank. You must ensure your aquarium has a heavy, tight-fitting lid with all cable gaps completely sealed.

Do I need to leave the shed exoskeleton in the tank after a moult?

Yes, you should always leave the moult in the tank. The crayfish will eat its own discarded exoskeleton over the next few days to reclaim essential calcium and minerals needed to harden its new shell.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Australian Redclaw Crayfish

Cherax quadricarinatus

A large, striking freshwater crayfish renowned for its vivid blue colouration and the distinctive bright red patches on the outer margins of adult males' claws.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 23 – 31 °C
pH range: 7 – 8.5
Hardness: 10 – 20 dGH
Adult size: 15 – 25 cm
Minimum for a single adult: 150 litres+
Lifespan: 4 – 5 years
Diet: Omnivorous detritivore; prefers sinking pellets, blanched vegetables, and leaf litter.
Water flow: Moderate
Preferred setup: Requires a very secure, heavy lid to prevent escape. Provide numerous large hiding spots like PVC pipes, rock caves, or heavy driftwood.

About the Australian Redclaw Crayfish

Native to the tropical rivers of northern Australia, the Australian Redclaw Crayfish is a spectacular and active bottom dweller. While they are a popular aquaculture species due to their rapid growth and hardiness, they have also found a passionate following in the aquarium trade. Males develop the eponymous bold red stripes on their large chelae (claws) upon maturity. They are highly entertaining to observe as they bulldoze the substrate, extensively redecorate their environment, and eagerly forage for food.

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Where Australian Redclaw Crayfish comes from

Native range

Northern Australia, Southern New Guinea

Countries / regions

Australia, Papua New Guinea

Habitat

Tropical rivers, billabongs, and slow-moving muddy streams with abundant submerged roots and undercut banks.

Widely translocated and considered an invasive species in several regions outside its native range due to aquaculture escapes.

Similar species

Electric Blue Crayfish
Procambarus alleni
Yabby
Cherax destructor

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Banded Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia trifasciata
Fast-swimming, top-dwelling fish that share similar water parameter requirements and easily avoid the crayfish's claws.
Great
Giant Danio
Devario aequipinnatus
Highly active and stays strictly in the mid-to-upper water column out of harm's way.
Great
Common Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp.
They occupy the same benthic zone; while adult plecos have armour, they may still suffer clipped fins during territorial disputes over caves.
Compatible with caution
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
Slow-moving, bottom-dwelling fish will inevitably be caught and eaten while resting at night.
Not recommended
Mystery Snail
Pomacea bridgesii
Snails are a natural part of a crayfish's diet and will be actively hunted and crushed.
Not recommended

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