Marron
Cherax cainii
Also known asWestern Australian marron · Cherax
Water parameters
Minimum tank: 300 L per individual at harvest size.
Feed and growth
- Feed protein
- 32% target
- Daily feed (warm)
- 1.50% of body weight
- Daily feed (cool)
- 0.60% of body weight
- Max density
- 25 g per litre
A 400 g adult eats about 6.0 g of feed per day at optimum. 10 fish at adult size: ~60 g daily.
Legality
Rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Verify with your local fisheries or wildlife authority before stocking.
| Jurisdiction | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Western Australia | legal | Native species in Western Australia; no permit required for personal aquaculture verified 2026-05-13 |
| South Australia | permit required | Translocation permit required outside native range verified 2026-05-13 |
| Victoria | permit required | verified 2026-05-13 |
| New South Wales | prohibited | verified 2026-05-13 |
Unlisted jurisdictions default to "check local regulations".
Origin and habitat
Native to freshwater rivers and streams in southwestern Western Australia. The species (Cherax cainii) is the largest freshwater crayfish in Western Australia and the third-largest in the world, reaching 2 kg and 38 cm in exceptional specimens, though culture size is typically 60–150 g at harvest. Marron inhabit clear, well-oxygenated streams with woody debris and undercut banks. They're a prized food item in Western Australia, with firm, sweet flesh comparable to marine lobster. Marron aquaculture began in the 1970s and has grown into a significant industry in Western Australia, with production from purpose-built ponds and integrated aquaculture systems. The species has been introduced to other parts of Australia and to a few countries internationally.
Climate and outdoor ponds
- Climate
- temperate (handles seasonal swings)
- USDA zones
- 7–10 (winter low around -18°C or warmer)
- Heating needed
- no
- Cooling needed
- yes, if summer water exceeds upper tolerance
Care notes
A premium freshwater crayfish for aquaponics in temperate climates with cool to warm water (15–25°C optimal). Marron grow slowly compared to tropical crustaceans: 60–150 g in 18-24 months on commercial crayfish pellet (28-35% protein). FCR is approximately 2.0-3.0, typical for crayfish. The payoff is flavor and market value: marron command $30-80/kg in Australian markets, which makes even small harvests worthwhile. Temperature tolerance is moderate (8–28°C), but growth is very slow below 15°C and the species stresses above 28°C. Dissolved oxygen above 5 mg/L is important because marron are less tolerant of low oxygen than warm-water crayfish like red claw. Stocking is calculated by bottom area: 5-10 marron per square meter. They need shelter (PVC pipe sections, stacked tiles, or mesh bundles) to reduce aggression and cannibalism during molting. Marron are more sensitive to water quality than yabbies or red claw; maintain ammonia below 0.5 mg/L. Fingerlings (called juveniles) are available from Western Australian hatcheries. Legal to culture in Western Australia and some other Australian states; check regulations for interstate or international movement. For non-Australian aquaponics operators, marron are rarely available; red claw crayfish or freshwater prawn are more accessible alternatives.