Yabby
Cherax destructor
Also known asYabbie · Lobby
Water parameters
Minimum tank: 150 L per individual at harvest size.
Feed and growth
- Feed protein
- 28% target
- Daily feed (warm)
- 1.80% of body weight
- Daily feed (cool)
- 0.70% of body weight
- Max density
- 25 g per litre
A 100 g adult eats about 1.8 g of feed per day at optimum. 10 fish at adult size: ~18 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 | prohibited | Western Australia prohibits yabbies as a biosecurity threat to native marron and gilgie populations verified 2026-05-13 |
| Tasmania | prohibited | verified 2026-05-13 |
| European Union (bloc) | prohibited | EU Union List of Invasive Alien Species verified 2026-05-13 |
| California | prohibited | verified 2026-05-13 |
Unlisted jurisdictions default to "check local regulations".
Origin and habitat
Native to freshwater rivers, creeks, farm dams, and temporary water bodies across southeastern Australia, from South Australia east through Victoria, New South Wales, and into Queensland. The common yabby (Cherax destructor) is the most familiar freshwater crayfish to Australians and an iconic part of rural Australian culture. The species tolerates an extraordinary range of conditions: temperatures from near-freezing to 35°C, low dissolved oxygen, high turbidity, and temporary dewatering (they burrow into mud and survive for months in sealed burrows during drought). Adults reach 15–20 cm and 50–150 g, though most pond-cultured yabbies are harvested at 30–80 g. The flesh is sweet and firm, comparable to marine prawns. Colors range from blue to olive-brown to near-black depending on water chemistry.
Climate and outdoor ponds
- Climate
- temperate (handles seasonal swings)
- USDA zones
- 4–11 (winter low around -34°C or warmer)
- Heating needed
- no
- Cooling needed
- no
Care notes
The most commonly cultured freshwater crayfish in Australia and a practical choice for temperate Australian aquaponics. Temperature range: 5–35°C, with optimal growth at 20–28°C. Growth: 30–80 g in 6-12 months on commercial yabby or crayfish pellet (25-32% protein) or on a diet supplemented with vegetable scraps, grain, and detritus. FCR on pellet is 2.0-3.5, typical for crayfish. Stocking: 10-20 yabbies per square meter of bottom area. Shelter is essential: bundles of PVC pipe, nylon mesh, or stacked tiles reduce aggression and provide protection during vulnerable post-molt periods. Yabbies are burrowers; in pond culture, this can damage levee banks. In tank-based aquaponics, the burrowing instinct is managed by providing appropriate shelter alternatives. Water quality tolerance is broad: DO above 2 mg/L (they tolerate very low oxygen), pH 6.5-9.0, moderate ammonia tolerance. Yabbies breed readily: females carry 100-1000 eggs under the abdomen, and juveniles are fully independent at release. Population management is necessary to prevent overcrowding. Fingerlings (or broodstock) are available from yabby farms and bait suppliers across southeastern Australia. Legal throughout their native range. Market value is moderate ($10-25/kg) and seasonal (highest in summer when recreational fishing demand peaks). For Australian aquaponics operators, yabbies offer a hardy, low-maintenance crustacean with strong cultural recognition.