Endemic to the southern part of the Murray-Darling Basin. They are listed as a vulnerable species in NSW.
The Murray Crayfish is the second largest freshwater crayfish in the world. Able to grow up to 2.5kg in weight.
Murray Crayfish are largely scavenger feeders, eating dead fish and other animals, as well as decaying plant matter.
The females carry the eggs under their abdomen for around 20 weeks. The hatchlings then remain for a further 4-5 weeks.
Murray crayfish are a very slow growing species. Like other crustaceans they grow via moulting. This is when the old exoskeleton is shed to make way for a new one.
In NSW Recreational fishing is allowed for Murray crayfish in June-August. Fishers are allowed a daily limit of 2 and a possession limit of 4 crayfish. The crayfish must be between 10-12cm carapace length.
Annual sampling for Murray crayfish is undertaken to monitor the fishery.
Size and abundance data is collected, along with the effort required to catch any crays that were caught.
Information collected during annual monitoring is used by fisheries scientists and managers to understand population health and fishing impacts.
A recent study involving DPI staff suggested that populations may be small in some areas and at risk of overfishing. Further emphasising the importance of ongoing monitoring programs.