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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Bracey on June 28, 2011, 05:08:02 PM

Title: Crayfish Identification?
Post by: Bracey on June 28, 2011, 05:08:02 PM
I found myself quite elated when an old neighbour of ours whom I now work with showd me a photo of a Crayfish that they found roaming their back yard along with many more after the rains of this summer just gone. This specimen was one of the larger ones but there was many smaller ones noticed amongst the grass in puddles left after the rain.

The properties that surround their block all have small dams and the riparian zone of the Mooloolah River is very visable, approximately 1.5km's away.

After eliminating several species from a list of likely possibilities I think the genus is a cherax with the species being punctatus, (cherax punctatus) with their origin if my research collected is reliable, being from Gympie to Eumundi, however the Mooloolah catchment area is further south. It may even be the commom Yabbie with very dark colouration. (cherax destructor) however I think the claws are a bit broad.

Can anyone please assist me in a positive identification of this Crayfish.

Thanks Dave

Title: Re: Crayfish Identification?
Post by: Sweetwater on June 28, 2011, 05:30:26 PM
My guess is cherax destructor

Ultimately Qld Museum is the only one who can give an absolute ID.

fitz..
Title: Re: Crayfish Identification?
Post by: Bracey on June 28, 2011, 05:39:35 PM
Thanks Fitzy  :youbeauty
Title: Re: Crayfish Identification?
Post by: sooty on June 28, 2011, 07:34:45 PM
Maybe a relation in this mob  . :o

Worth having a look at  :OMG
Kev

http://www.fiveaa.com.au/photo_yabbies-in-cooper-creek_287088 (http://www.fiveaa.com.au/photo_yabbies-in-cooper-creek_287088)
Title: Re: Crayfish Identification?
Post by: elops on June 28, 2011, 11:52:24 PM
SEQ Cherax are hard Dave, from the Mooloolah could be destructor, depressus or robustus. Not 100% but I think punctatus is Mary catchment ?
Brooksy would know  ;)

cheers
Steve
Title: Re: Crayfish Identification?
Post by: Bracey on June 29, 2011, 05:21:18 AM
Thanks Steve,

The origin of the punctatus species according to the Australian Musiem Publications is Eumundi and the depresses and robustus species I had eliminated due to their colouring features. I had also eliminated species from the euastacus family.

I'll try sending the image to the musiem to see if they can identify it.

Dave
Title: Re: Crayfish Identification?
Post by: aussiebasser on June 29, 2011, 06:50:25 AM
It's a yabby.  Boil it until it's red, then enjoy.
Title: Re: Crayfish Identification?
Post by: Bracey on June 29, 2011, 07:26:49 PM
I would have done it Dale, too good to let 'em go, especially when ya can help yourself to a feed of them off ya back lawn.  :youbeauty
Title: Re: Crayfish Identification?
Post by: StevenM on June 29, 2011, 09:18:35 PM
Mate I would have said it was a good with a cold beer job. Esp if had mates  :youbeauty