Identifying Freshwater Crayfish in South West WA
Marron
The scientific names for the two species of marron are currently under review.
Marron are the largest freshwater crayfish in the South West of WA and one of the largest freshwater crayfish species on earth. Before the introduction of other freshwater fishes, marron were the largest animal in the rivers of the South West. Originally only found between Harvey and Albany, the range of marron has been extended by the ‘seeding' of rivers and irrigation dams with juvenile marron, along with their use in aquaculture ventures. Marron are now found in rivers and dams between the Hutt River (north of Geraldton) to east of Esperance. There are small populations of marron in dams in the Goldfields.
Marron prefer sandy areas in rivers and dams, particularly where detritus (organic matter) accumulates. Marron like areas which have lots of structure (fallen trees, rocks) but do not tolerate high salinity.
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| Smooth Marron photo and drawings |
Marron possess five keels along their head, three pairs of short spines on the rostrum, two small spines on the telson and narrow, pincer-like chelipeds (claws). They range in colour from jet-black to brown or even cobalt-blue, a rare natural version now farmed for aquariums.
There are two marron species found in WA. Smooth marron are widespread and found in most rivers and dams of the South West. They are what most marroners have seen and captured and are the farmed aquaculture species.
Hairy marron are found almost exclusively in the upper reaches of the Margaret River. The head and sometimes tail (larger marron) are covered in clusters of short hairs. The central keel also extends all the way to the cervical groove. The upper reaches of the Margaret River are now closed to recreational fishing. So, if you capture a hairy marron in the Margaret River, please put it back immediately.
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| Hairy Marron photo and drawings |
Hairy marron are threatened by the smooth marron that has become established throughout the Margaret River. Plans are underway to assist the recovery of this endangered species. You too can help by releasing all hairy marron that you may capture in the Margaret River.
Recreational fishers in WA need a licence to catch marron. During the open season (usually in January and February). Detailed information about marron fishing is available from here.
Marron can grow more than 380 mm (total length) and they are usually measured from the tip of the rostrum to the back of their carapace. Details on the legal minimum size of marron is available here.
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