Cherax quadricarinatus
(von Martens, 1868)
Common Name:
Australian redclaw crayfish
Synonyms and Other Names:
Queensland Redclaw Crayfish, Tropical Blue Crayfish, Freshwater Blueclaw Crayfish, North Queensland Yabby, Blue Lobster, Redclaw Crayfish
Identification:
Cherax quadricarinatus is a large bodied crayfish with a blue-green to green color with red and maroon highlights. Adult males have a soft, fleshy, bright red patch on the outer margin of the major chelae. This species also has four long and distinct carinae (ridges) on the dorsal surface of the cephalon (Coughran and Leckie 2007).
Size:
Cherax quadricarinatus may reach a total length of about 250 mm (9.8 inches) and weigh up to 600 grams (21.2 oz) (Ahyong and Yeo 2007)
Native Range:
Cherax quadricarinatus is native to Australia, and can be found in freshwater creeks and water bodies in tropical Queensland, the Northern Territory and southeastern Papua New Guinea (Coughran and Leckie 2007).
This species is not currently in the Great Lakes region but may be elsewhere in the US. See the
point map
for details.
Table 1. States/provinces with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state/province, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Cherax quadricarinatus are found here.
Table last updated 3/7/2026
† Populations may not be currently present.
Ecology:
Cherax quadricarinatus is tolerant of a wide variety of habitats can be found in tropical and subtropical climates coastal streams and freshwater environments, with a preference for the slower moving upper reaches of rivers as well as lakes and lagoons (Wingfield 2002). Cherax quadricarinatus is a non-burrowing species that is tolerant of high temperatures and relatively low dissolved oxygen concentrations (Masser and Rouse 1997). Similar to North American crayfish species, Cherax quadricarinatus is an omnivorous detritivore, feeding on plant and animal decay. However, unlike native crayfish, the species does not rely on environmental cues for seasonal breeding, such as temperature changes, but instead, can breed all year, with multiple broods being produced in water temperatures above 75 °F. Cherax quadricarinatus reaches sexual maturity before one year of age, with females producing up to 1000 eggs and 3-5 broods during a breeding season (Masser and Rouse 1997).
Cherax quadricarinatus exihibits the traits of both r- and K- selected species, with its life history including high numbers of offspring with low mortality rates and large body sizes, likely promoting the species' successful colonization in many areas outside of its native range (Beatty 2005).
Great Lakes Means of Introduction:
Cherax quadricarinatus has a high probability of introduction to the Great Lakes (Confidence level: Moderate). Potential pathway(s) of introduction: unauthorized intentional release.
Cherax quadricarinatus is not currently established in any waters that are connected to the Great Lakes Basin. Within the United States, it is established in Texas and Puerto Rico, with an ambiguous population reported in California (Morningstar et al. 2020; Sanjar et al. 2023). They are not known to hitchhike or foul boats. This species is cultured in Puerto Rico and available for purchase from culture facilities in Florida. Auburn University has had an aquaculture colony of C. quadricarinatus (Patillo 2010). However, C. quadricarinatus is a popular aquarium species that is readily available through online retailers.
Great Lakes Status:
Cherax quadricarinatus has a low probability of establishment if introduced to the Great Lakes (Confidence level: High). While tolerant of high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen (Masser and Rouse 1997), C. quadricarinatus is immobilized at temperatures below 14°C and reproduction only occurs at temperatures above 23°C (Oficialdegui 2022; Patillo 2010). This species struggles to reproduce and grow in environments with winter water temperatures below 10°C, making overwintering unlikely in the Great Lakes Basin (Arias and Torralba-Burrial 2019).? C. quadricarinatus is considered a reasonably non-aggressive, non-territorial freshwater crayfish species that does not compete well with other species occupying similar niches (USFWS 2012; Jones 2005). Climate match is poor for the Great Lakes region and distribution models do not predict establishment in or near the Great Lakes (Larson and Olden 2012; USFWS 2012).
Great Lakes Impacts:
Summary of species impacts derived from literature review. Click on an icon to find out more...
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Cherax quadricarinatus has the potential for high environmental impact if introduced to the Great Lakes. Cherax quadricarinatus is a known carrier of viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites (Austin et al., 2009), as well as crayfish plague (Australian Blue Yabby Aquaculture, 2010). They were shown to significantly decrease the size, but not survival, of a native crayfish species in a mesocosm experiment at Auburn University (Patillo, 2010). Ahyong and Yeo (2007) note that they have the potential to negatively affect native species through predation, direct competition, or habitat modification.
There is little or no evidence to support that Cherax quadricarinatus has the potential for significant socio-economic impacts if introduced to the Great Lakes.
It has not been reported that Cherax quadricarinatus poses a threat to human health or water quality. There is no evidence that this species negatively impacts infrastructure, economic sectors, recreational activities and associated tourism, or the aesthetic appeal of the areas it inhabits.
Cherax quadricarinatus has the potential for moderate beneficial impacts if introduced to the Great Lakes.
Cherax quadricarinatus has commercial value as an aquaculture species in Australia, Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Uruguay; however they are less popular than other freshwater invertebrate aquaculture species, so the overall economic contribution of this activity is small (FAO, 2011). It is not used as a biological control agent of other nuisance species, and they are not known to improve water quality. They are not commonly employed as a recreational fishery.
Management:
Regulations (pertaining to the Great Lakes region)
There are no known regulations specific to this species. However, Pennsylvania restricts the sale, possession, introduction and transportation of all crayfish species; Wisconsin prohibits all non-native crayfish; and Minnesota prohibits the importation of all crayfish into the state. Note: Check federal, state/provincial, and local regulations for the most up-to-date information
Control
Biological
The Wisconsin department of natural resources found that restricting the harvest of known crayfish predators caused a significant decline in invasive crayfish populations (Hein et al., 2007).
Physical
Intensive trapping is a common method used to control crayfish (Moorhouse et al., 2013; Peay, 2001) . However, trapping has not been found to completely eradicate established crayfish populations.
Chemical
Cypermethrin is a commonly used piscicide for crayfish control (Hyatt, 2004).
Other
There are no known other control methods for this species
Remarks:
Cherax quadricarinatus is in the aquaculture industry in countries such as Belize, China, Indonesia, Israel, Morocco, Panama, Spain, and the United States (Rubino et al. 1990; FAO, 2011-2013).
References
(click for full reference list)
Author:
Daniel, W., Boucher, N., Elgin, A., Shelly, C.
Contributing Agencies:
Revision Date:
12/19/2025
Citation for this information:
Daniel, W., Boucher, N., Elgin, A., Shelly, C., 2026, Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens, 1868): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, and NOAA Great Lakes Aquatic Nonindigenous Species Information System, Ann Arbor, MI, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/greatlakes/FactSheet.aspx?Species_ID=220&Potential=Y&Type=2&HUCNumber=DGreatLakes, Revision Date: 12/19/2025, Access Date: 3/8/2026
This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.