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Government of Western Australia - Department of Fisheries
Monday 22 May 2023

Redswamp crayfish reminder

Be on the lookout for redswamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), a species that originates in America and has previously found its way into WA aquariums.

This bright red freshwater crayfish, which grows to about 12cm long, is a direct threat to our native crayfish such as our iconic marron, if released into the wild.

They mature at a young age, breed multiple times a year and can quickly outnumber marron for space and food.

They also have the potential to be carrying the crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci), which would devastate local native crayfish populations.

Redswamp crayfish are not permitted to be imported into Australia. In December 2021 our biosecurity compliance team caught people in possession of, and trading redswamp crayfish in the south-west. Since then, we have continued to undertake surveillance to detect any that may have been released or escaped into the wild.

If you find or catch an unusual crayfish, report it to FishWatch on 1800 815 507 or email Aquatic.Biosecurity@dpird.wa.gov.au and help keep our waters free of this nationally declared noxious species.
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Last modified: 22/05/2023 12:15 PM

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