crustacean research, no. 40: 1 – 11, 2011 1 , distribution and ecology of the Setose Yabby, Cherax setosus (Riek, 1951)

robert B. Mccormack and Jason coughran

Abstract.– Although it occurs near al., 1998, 2002a). Most recently, however, and one of Australia’s largest cities, there using modern genetic techniques, austin et is a remarkable lack of information on al. (2003) and Munasinghe et al. (2004) have the Setose Yabby, Cherax setosus. The confirmed that full specific rank is warranted. morphology of the species has never although C. setosus is known from a few been thoroughly described, and basic sites near newcastle (new south Wales), one information on its distribution and ecology of australia’s largest cities, little is known is required. In this paper, we give a about the species. Lawrence et al. (2002b) thorough redescription of the species and described the habitat at one site where the present data on its distribution, habitat species was collected for laboratory studies, and general biology. Cherax setosus is a but after subsequent highway construction medium-sized with a lowland, that site no longer exists (Lawrence et al., coastal distribution extending from just 2002b). the laboratory studies did, however, south of Taree to just north of Morisset identify a potentially important role for C. in eastern New South Wales, a northeast- setosus in the aquaculture industry. although southwest distance of approximately not commonly farmed itself, the species can 150km. The species is rarely found in be crossed with the Victorian ‘albidus’ strain permanent aquatic habitats in the area, of Cherax destructor to produce sterile, all- but builds extensive burrow networks in male hybrid offspring with increased vigor minor, ephemeral habitats such as gullies, (Lawrence et al., 1998, 2000). roadside ditches, stump holes, swamps Despite this aquaculture interest, C. and pastures. Although it appears to be setosus has remained poorly understood relatively common across its range, the and, consequently, there are no specific species may be susceptible to impacts management measures in place at present. such as reproductive interference with the a detailed description of the species is still translocated crayfish C. destructor and lacking, and virtually nothing has been predation on juveniles by the introduced published on its biology or ecology. these plague minnow, Gambusia holbrooki. research gaps on C. setosus are clearly inadequate given its apparent restriction to a rapidly developing area. another current Introduction concern is that the translocated yabby species Cherax setosus (riek, 1951) (Fig. 1) was C. destructor is becoming widely established originally described by riek (1951) as a across eastern new south Wales (coughran subspecies of Cherax rotundus clark, 1941, et al., 2009) and may threaten the endemic and was later reclassified by Austin (1986) as aquatic fauna, including the endemic yabby C. a subspecies of C. destructor Clark, 1936. The setosus. It is therefore imperative that these taxonomic position of the species has also fundamental research gaps on C. setosus are been discussed by various other authors (riek, addressed. 1969; Sokol, 1988; Austin, 1996; Lawrence et to facilitate future research and 22 r. B. MccorMack & J. coughran

Fig. 1. the setose Yabby, Cherax setosus (Riek, 1951). Photograph of large male specimen (39.65 mm OCL, 37 gram, ACP 2646). The distinctive patch of setae extending across the outer half of the ventral surface of the propodus (inset) is a reliable feature to readily distinguish the species in the field. In particular, the invading yabby C. destructor Clark, 1936 lacks this feature.

management initiatives, we provide a remove ~50mm of substrate to allow for a trap detailed morphological description of Cherax to be set with the entrance holes below the setosus, record general information about waterline. traps were set for up to one hour, its distribution and ecology, and discuss or left overnight and checked the following conservation and management considerations. morning. Both opera house traps (630mm x 470mm x 180mm, 90mm entrance hole) and box traps (430mm x 260mm x 260mm, 40mm Materials and Methods entrance hole) were used, with a variety of crayfish surveys were undertaken as baits including assorted meats, fish, dried dog part of both the broad australian crayfish biscuits and wet dog food sausage. Project (acP) and a targeted sub-project on spotlight surveys were undertaken at Cherax setosus (Project #100045, australian some sites but yielded a limited number of Aquatic Biological 2008). Site co-ordinates specimens, and were generally found to be and altitude were recorded using a Magellan unproductive. scoop nets were used to sample Explorist 600 handheld GPS. Crayfish were some sites that held sufficient water. At sites collected using a variety of methods to suit with insufficient water for other methods, the conditions at each survey site. Because manual excavation of burrows with a spade Cherax setosus inhabits ephemeral habitats, or trenching tool was required to retrieve the use of traps was largely restricted to . periods following storm events, when Voucher material was retained where ephemeral sites contained sufficient water appropriate, and all retained specimens depth for the physical trap dimensions. at were placed in transport containers with a some very shallow sites, a spade was used to small amount of water and some vegetation the setose YaBBY, Cherax setosus 3

Fig. 2. Distribution of the setose Yabby, Cherax setosus (riek, 1951), indicated with black circles. translocated populations of C. destructor Clark, 1936 are depicted with an ‘X’. Rivers, lakes and wetlands are shaded grey.

from the site and returned to the laboratory. digital Vernier callipers. other abbreviations specimens were then euthanized by freezing include: AM, Australian Museum; NSW, New for at least 24 hours and subsequently stored south Wales. in clear, labelled specimen jars containing 70% ethanol. tissue samples were retained results in cell lysis buffer from selected specimens for subsequent Dna analysis, as part of the Distribution and Biology broader acP. specimens of C. setosus were recorded Voucher material was compared from numerous sites in lowland (<200m with specimens of two similar taxa from a.s.l.), coastal habitats between taree and Queensland and Victoria (o’Brien et al., Morisset (Fig. 2), a northeast-southwest 2009; McCormack and Raadik, unpublished distance of around 150km. the main drainage data), and with specimens of the inland basins within that range are the hunter, species Cherax destructor. a thorough karuah and Myall rivers. Its distribution morphological description was prepared for penetrates inland to areas near cessnock and C. setosus based on this retained voucher singleton, although it appears to be present material and the type material, held at the in much lower densities in these inland australian Museum. Measurements of areas. We determined the overall extent of Propodal Length (PL), Propodal Width (PW), occurrence (eoo) for the species in this Total Carapace Length (TL) and Ocular study to be approximately 5,800km2, the Carapace Length (OCL) were made using third largest distribution of all Cherax species 44 r. B. MccorMack & J. coughran found in new south Wales. national Park, nsW (32.39°s 151.73°e), collected by r.B. Mccormack, 23rd november 2008. ACP 1572, Male (OCL 25.66mm), taxonomic Description corner Blackhill rd and J renshaw Dr, Cherax setosus (riek 1951) NSW (32.82°S 151.58°E), collected by R.B. (Figs. 1 and 3) McCormack, 28th November 2008. ACP 1577, Female (OCL 30.15mm), Swamp Creek, HOLOTYPE: AM P4739, Male (OCL Neath, NSW (32.82°S 151.42°E), collected 34.35mm), Booral, karuah river, Port th by R.B. McCormack, 28 November 2008. Stephens, NSW (32°29’S 151°58’E), th ACP 1582, Male (OCL 33.01mm), Vincent collected by D.g. stead, 10 november St, Cessnock, NSW (32.85°S 151.35°E), 1911. ParatYPe: aM P4740, Male th collected by R.B. McCormack, 28 (OCL 31.63mm), Booral, Karuah River, November 2008. ACP 1601, Female (OCL Port Stephens, NSW (32°29’S 151°58’E), th 36.33mm), drain along Mt Faulk Rd, NSW collected by D. g. stead, 10 november (32.03°S 151.46°E), carrying eggs, collected 1911. toPotYPes: aM P4741, 2 Males th by R.B. McCormack, 28 November 2008. (OCL 12.38-18.76mm), 2 Females (OCL ACP 1637, Male (OCL 24.92mm), Stoney 16.25-18.62mm), Booral, Karuah River, Ck, Blackalls Park, NSW (33.00°S 151.56°E), Port Stephens, NSW (32°29’S 151°58’E), nd th collected by r.B. Mccormack, 2 December collected by D.g. stead, 10 november 1911. 2008. ACP 2153, Male (OCL 43.15mm), other Material examined.– AM P4675, swamp, old swan Bay rd, Wallaroo state 2 Females (OCL 19.69-21.66mm), creek Forest, NSW (32.67°S 151.89°E), collected near Newcastle, NSW (32°56’S 151°46’E), th by r.B. Mccormack, 24 June 2009. acP collected by D.g. stead, May 1907. aM 2154, Male (OCL 43.16mm), Swamp, P72105, Male, OCL 39.43mm, Tea Gardens, old swan Bay rd, Wallaroo state Forest, nsW (32°40’s 152°10’e), collector NSW (32.67°S 151.89°E), collected by unspecified, February, 1977. AM P16819, th r.B. Mccormack, 24 June 2009. acP 3 Males (OCL 26.42-32.32mm), 7 Females 2156, Male (OCL 40.00mm), Swamp, (OCL 23.23-35.14mm), from burrows in old swan Bay rd, Wallaroo state Forest, side of dam, Pokolbin (10 miles west of NSW (32.67°S 151.89°E), collected by Cessnock), Hunter Valley, NSW (32°48’S th r.B. Mccormack, 24 June 2009. acP 151°17’e), 1 with young, collected by D. 2157, Male (OCL 46.58mm), Swamp, Beeman, 1st February 1969. ACP 513, Male old swan Bay rd, Wallaroo state Forest, (OCL 37.88mm), Swan Bay, NSW (32.66°S NSW (32.67°S 151.89°E), collected by 151.89°E), collected by R.B. McCormack, th nd r.B. Mccormack, 24 June 2009. acP 22 December 2006. ACP 514, Male 2158, Male (OCL 43.88mm), Swamp, Old (OCL 47.3mm), Pindimar, NSW (32.62°S swan Bay rd, Wallaroo state Forest, nsW 151.08°E), collected by R.B. McCormack, nd (32.67°S 151.89°E), collected by R.B. 22 December 2006. ACP 759, Male (OCL th Mccormack, 24 June 2009. ACP 2166, 40.37mm), below weigh station, eastern side Male (OCL 39.12mm), tributary of Reedy of highway, Wallaroo SF, NSW (32.66°S Creek, Wallaroo State Forest, NSW (32.64°S 151.85°E), collected by R.B. McCormack, 151.91°e), collected by r.B. Mccormack, t. Mccormack and J. Moylan, 13th May th 24 June 2009. ACP 2434, Male (OCL 2007. ACP 821, Female (OCL 35.01mm), 29.90mm), standen Drive, Branxton, nsW J. renshaw Drive, trib Buttai creek, nsW (32.66°S 151.31°E), collected by R.B. (32.82°S 151.54°E), collected by R.B. th th Mccormack, 29 September 2009. ACP 2646, Mccormack, 13 september 2007. acP Male (OCL 39.65mm), Swamp off Haynes 938, Male (OCL 46.08mm), tributary of Rd, Wallaroo State Forest, NSW (32.66°S Bundabah Ck, Pindimar, NSW (32.63°S 151.88°E), collected by R.B. McCormack, 152.09°e), collected by r.B.Mccormack and th th 19 January 2010 (Figures 1, 3). ACP 2675, n. Meyrick, 9 December 2007. acP 1545, Female (OCL 30.22mm), Cook Dr, Swan Male (OCL 33.1mm), Eagleton Rd, Columbey Bay, NSW (32.66°S 151.90°E), carrying eggs, the setose YaBBY, Cherax setosus 5

Fig. 3. Photographs of preserved large male specimen, ACP2646: whole (upper), sternal keel (left lower) and chela (right lower).

collected by r.B. Mccormack, 27th January lacking any development of marginal 2010. spines at base. Lateral and dorsal surface of Diagnosis. – rostrum broad and short (Fig. propodus punctuated, lateral margin curved 3), reaching to base or middle of 3rd antennal and fully calcified. 6-11 mesial propodal segment, apex with small blunt acumen spine. spines, only extending anteriorly to around rostral carinae raised and smooth, lacking 80% of propodal palm length. Distinct patch marginal spines and terminating in a rounded of setation extending across much of ventral boss. Dorsal surface of cephalon smooth, propodal surface. 1 large, broad and hooked lacking any development of a median carina. mesial carpal spine. sternal keel deeply Post-orbital ridges distinct, with or without a excavated between lateral processes to the small spine at anterior end. antennal squame first and second pereopods, resulting in a inflated distal to midlength. Suborbital spine spine-like projection at the first pereopods. small to tiny. Interantennal spine broader Lateral processes to the 5th pereopods fused than long. areola narrow, approximately 13.5 directly together, with no development of any times as long as wide at narrowest point, additional calcified plate or spine. positioned towards anterior end. Dactylus rostrum. – rostrum broad and short, 66 r. B. MccorMack & J. coughran extending to base or near midlength of 3rd common along groove laterally, occasionally antennal segment, generally 0.23 x OCL and with 1-2 small, sharp spines. carapace gently curved downward. apex of rostrum moderately to densely punctate along dorsal blunt and flat with small, blunt, upturned surface. setose tubercles along lateral sides, spine covered with a tuft of long setae. sprouting single or double short, bristly setae. rostral carinae slightly raised, smooth, lightly abdomen.– abdomen length on average setose along base, and just reaching beyond 1.4 x OCL. Somites with light punctuation anterior end of postorbital ridge. carinae dorsally and light setation laterally. lacking spines at apex, terminating in smooth tailfan.– telson u-shaped with small, rounded boss. Intercarinate region broad, sharp, broad spine near midlength of each smooth, slightly convex, punctuated and lateral margin (many specimens with 2 lightly to moderately setose. spines one side). Dorsal surface of telson Cephalon.– Dorsal surface of cephalon with punctuations anteriorly, and setose smooth, lacking any development of a tubercles posteriorly. Posterior membranous median carina. Post-orbital ridges distinct, section with moderate setation. uropods with or without a small, blunt to sharp longer than telson, and outer rami marginally spine at anterior end, and with a rounded longer than inner rami. Inner rami lightly bump posteriorly. Postorbital ridge length setose and each having one large, sharp spine approximately 0.24 x OCL. Antennal at caudolateral corner and a longitudinal squame short, around 0.16 x OCL, extending median carina terminating in a large, sharp, to just posterior of rostrum apex; widest upturned central spine. outer rami lightly point of inflation distal to midlength. setose, each having one spine at caudolateral squame generally lacking marginal spines corner on dorsal surface and a longitudinal (3 specimens with twin spines towards median carina terminating in one small to apex on one side only) and terminating in medium, sharp, slightly upturned spine. short, sharp, conical spine. suborbital spine transverse suture on dorsal surface of outer small, generally sharp and pointed forward. rami relatively straight with 11-23 spines cephalon moderately to densely punctuated along the lateral three quarters of its width. dorsally, with light setation and tubercles on on ventral surface, suture smooth along its lateral surfaces. Basipodite antennal spine length until terminating laterally in a distinct, present, generally small (in many cases sharp spine (additional to, and larger than, just a stub) but on some specimens very the caudolateral spine). Posterior margin of large, sharp and curved. coxopodite spines tailfan moderately setose. present, generally with at least 1 large spine Keel.– sternal keel deeply excavated and one or 2 smaller spines. Interantennal between lateral processes to the 1st and 2nd spine distinctive and very broad in shape pereopods, the excavation leaving a spine-like (1.15 times as wide as long) with a serrated, projection at the base of the 1st pereopods. toothed, raised margin bearing twin, small, keel raised and sharp between the lateral sharp spines at apex, central area generally processes to the second and fourth pereopods, smooth and swollen in the very centre. apart from a distinct notch just posterior to Antennal flagella long, approximately 1.86 x the lateral processes to the 3rd pereopods. OCL, extending to start of sixth abdominal Lateral processes to the 5th pereopods separate somite. from keel and fused directly together, with no thorax.– areola extremely narrow development of any additional calcified plate anteriorly, gradually increasing in width or spine. posteriorly. areola length usually around Propodus.– Propodus stout, twice as 13.5 x width at narrowest point (specimens long as wide. Mesial propodal margin very from the upper hunter region have a distinct, starting as a rolled ridge at carpal broader areola, length ~8.5 x width), with articulation and progressing to 6-11 mesial the narrowest point situated closer to the propodal spines. Mesial spines increasing cephalon. cervical and branchiocardiac in size anteriorly towards midlength of grooves deeply impressed; small tubercles mesial margin, thereafter decreasing in size the setose YaBBY, Cherax setosus 7 to approximately 80% of mesial propodal that is present is very subtle and hard to see margin. anterior section of mesial margin on most specimens, depending on the colour smooth, apart from development of a spine- variety. like projection at terminus. apex of propodus sexes.– although we have not recorded sharp, pointed and curved inward, with quantitative reproductive data, our general numerous small teeth extending to dactylar field observations suggest that C. setosus articulation. one large, distinctive tooth is a relatively prolific species that breeds offset ventrally from all others. Lateral in summer, commencing around the start propodal margin smooth and completely of september and continuing until april. It calcified. Dorsal propodal surface with would also appear that a large proportion of light punctuations increasing in size and all adult females breed, at least once per year number laterally, and a light mottling pattern (some observations suggest a small proportion noticeable on live animals. setation present breed more than once per year). clutch size along dorsal propodal surface along base for breeding females usually ranges from of mesial propodal spine ridge. Longer and approximately 70 to 300 eggs. Interestingly, sparser setae present along dorsal cutting no intersex specimens have yet been recorded edge of propodal finger. Very distinctive patch for this species. of long, dense setae extending across much of size.– the largest specimens in the acP ventral propodal surface (Figure 1 inset). collection reach a maximum weight of 64g, Dactylus.– apex of dactylus pointed, and a maximum length of 46.58mm OCL sharp and strongly incurved. anterior third of (ACP 938 and 2157). However, during dactylus usually lacking teeth, posterior two surveys for this species by the senior thirds containing numerous teeth extending author in the 1980s, larger specimens were to dactylar articulation. one large tooth offset recorded, with a maximum weight of up ventrally from all others. Long setae present to 95g for males and just below 80g for ventrally along length of cutting edge, and females. Females above 20g are generally less developed on dorsal surface with just a reproductively mature. touch of setation along dorsal cutting edge near articulation. no mesial dactylar basal spines. Discussion Carpus.– only 1 large, very broad mesial Distribution and Biology carpal spine. 1 large ventral carpal spine. Cherax setosus was collected from usually 2 – 3 small to medium ventromesial ephemeral creeks, streams, swamps, wetlands spines with broad bases that occasionally fuse and depressions in the ground (Fig. 4). into a raised ridge. Light to moderate setation Roadside drains that channel small flows also at propodal articulation. provide an important habitat for this species. Merus.– Dorsal surface of merus generally rainfall is relatively high in this coastal smooth, with 3-13 small, blunt spines or area, and any low-lying area that receives raised lumps (generally only the anterior-most ephemeral water provides a potential habitat spine properly developed). setation absent. for this species. at many sites, the species Colouration.– colour varies greatly was recorded in cleared paddocks, lawns or with populations. there are two common vehicle wheel ruts. the species constructs colours, green or brown with a blue tinge, extensive burrows along the water’s edge, and two less common colours, a bright blue with multiple entrance holes and multiple and a very deep blue that is almost black. on corridors and chambers. Burrows were most specimens there is an orange tinge to often capped with clay in dry conditions, the tip of the claws and the ventral edge of presumably to limit moisture loss. the chelae, and an orange to red colouration Few specimens were collected from in the joints. Ventrally, crayfish are light habitats in permanent water, despite cream in colour. these crayfish do not have considerable sampling effort. however, a prominent mottling pattern on their claws crayfish were occasionally found taking up like Cherax destructor. the mottling pattern 88 r. B. MccorMack & J. coughran

Fig. 4. examples of C. setosus habitats and burrows (clockwise from top right): rural drainage ditch; burrows in drainage ditch; burrow plugged with clay; semi-permanent, shallow lagoon; swamp; roadside puddles; burrows along water’s edge in vehicle wheel rut (above); vehicle wheel rut.

temporary residence (i.e., without burrows) streams following storm events. on one under debris along the banks of permanent occasion following a major storm event, the species was also recorded from an estuary. the setose YaBBY, Cherax setosus 9

More commonly, specimens were found in species can be considered as restricted. isolated puddles after the water had receded However, although there are no specific data from temporarily flooded land areas. It is on its environmental tolerance, its persistence conceivable that the species takes advantage in cleared agricultural areas, roadside ditches of flood conditions to disperse along drainage and private lawns suggests that it is generally lines and overland. sampling indicated that tolerant of anthropogenic impacts. given eels were common in habitats with permanent that it occurs in ephemeral habitats, which water, and the presence of a large predator are often filled, drained or concreted in such as this may influence the distribution of urban areas, it may be susceptible to urban C. setosus. crayfish were not captured from development. Indeed, the species has not been any sites at which eels were observed. recorded from some major urban areas, but this species was reproductively active it is otherwise common and locally abundant during the warmer months, from september across its range. there is no indication that the to March. eggs are large and tan to dark species has been, or may be, in decline, and burgundy in colour, and clutches that were under current Iucn criteria (Iucn sPWg, counted typically contained 70-300 eggs. 2008) it is assessed as ‘Least Concern’. Based on observations of captive females by however, the species may be susceptible the senior author, development takes around to reproductive interference from the eight to 10 weeks from fresh-laid eggs to translocated C. destructor. this inland release of juveniles. Females that have been species has recently become established at retained in captivity have bred two or three numerous sites across coastal new south times per year, and two different breeding Wales (coughran et al., 2009), including periods were also identified in the wild during five known sites within the distribution of our surveys: a primary breeding phase during C. setosus (Figure 2). the five sites include which most females carried clutches (sep- two forestry dams, two proximal sites in Dec), and a secondary phase during which a a creek/drain system, and one site where small proportion of females carried clutches C. destructor was collected in vehicle (Jan-Mar). White tail disease, burn spot wheel ruts. cross-breeding experiments disease and ectocommensals were commonly between C. setosus and various strains of observed. C. destructor have resulted in sterile, all- our trapping data indicate that C. setosus male hybrid off-spring (Lawrence et al., are nocturnally active, and we also observed 1998, 2000), and the establishment of C. animals actively wandering in aquatic destructor within the distribution of C. habitats searching for food. animals were setosus is therefore of considerable concern. occasionally active during the day at sites these sites of establishment need to be with deeper water (~200mm), or where the closely monitored, and the feasibility of water was turbid or contained dense weed eradicating the translocated C. destructor habitats. Provided surface water was present, should be assessed. Cherax destructor has animals could be readily enticed from their also become established at several sites in the burrows with baits during the day or night. area immediately surrounding the distribution this species actively hunts live food, and of C. setosus, to the north (north of taree), during spotlight surveys crayfish were south (south of Morisset) and west (south observed feeding on tadpoles, frogs, earth of singleton and Muswellbrook). education worms, and fish. Cherax setosus co- programs should be initiated in an attempt to occurs with several other crayfish species, prevent further introductions of C. destructor including reductus Riek, 1969, outside its natural range. e. spinifer (Heller, 1865), a currently the plague minnow Gambusia holbrooki undescribed species of Gramastacus, and a (Girard, 1859) is prevalent throughout translocated pest species, C. destructor. the distribution of C. setosus, and may be impacting on juveniles. Plague minnows Conservation status 2 develop extremely dense aggregations in the At 5,800km , the overall eoo for this shallow, ephemeral habitats that C. setosus 1010 r. B. MccorMack & J. coughran

occurs in, and use the larger burrows of adult examined using mitochondrial 16S crayfish as refuges during drying events: it sequences. australian Journal of Zoology, is not uncommon when excavating burrows 51: 99-110. at sites lacking surface water to find plague Australian Aquatic Biological, 2008. minnows surviving in the sub-surface burrow australian crayfish Project – research water, awaiting the next rainfall event. Plague Projects 2005-2012. australian aquatic minnows have had detrimental impacts on Biological Pty Ltd, Karuah, New South a range of australian aquatic fauna (nsW Wales. available online via: http://www. NPWS, 2003; Pyke, 2005), and research into aabio.com.au/research.html the impacts of this exotic fish on C. setosus is coughran, J., Mccormack, r.B., & Daly, recommended. g., 2009. translocation of the Yabby Cherax destructor into eastern drainages of new south Wales, australia. australian acknowledgements Zoologist, 35: 100-103. this project was undertaken as part Iucn standards and Petitions Working of the over-arching australian crayfish Group, 2008. Guidelines for Using the Project, and we are thankful to australian IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Aquatic Biological Pty Ltd for sponsoring Version 7.0. Prepared by the standards that work and for providing access to and Petitions Working group of the Iucn laboratory and field equipment. We thank ssc Biodiversity assessments sub- Dr stephen keable, Mr roger springthorpe Committee in August 2008. Downloadable and Mrs helen stoddart (aM) for their from http://intranet.iucn.org/webfiles/doc/ help, support and assistance in making the SSC/RedList/RedListGuidelines.pdf aM collection available for study. Field Lawrence, C., Morrissy, N. M., Bellanger J., surveys were assisted by Daniel coughran, & Cheng, Y.W., 1998. Final Report, FRDC nathan coughran, tegan Mccormack, neil Project 94/075: enhancement of Yabby Meyrick, Josh Moylan and tim Waddington, Production from Western australian Farm and permits were authorised by the nsW Dams. Fisheries research report no. DPI Fisheries (scientific collection Permit 112. Fisheries research and Development P05/0077-4.0) and national Parks and corporation, Fisheries Western australia, Wildlife Service (Scientific Licence S12731). Perth. We extend our thanks to two anonymous ———, ———, Vercoe P.e., & Williams, reviewers for their constructive comments on I.h., 2000. hybridization in australian the manuscript. freshwater crayfish – production of all- male progeny. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, 31: 651-658. Literature Cited ———, ———, ———, & ———, 2002a. Austin, C.M., 1986. Electrophoretic and Cherax of south eastern and central morphological systematic studies of the australia. Part I: a review of taxonomy Cherax (: ) and distribution. Freshwater Crayfish, 13: in australia. Ph.D. thesis, Department of 555-569. Zoology, university of Western australia. ———, ———, ———, & ———, 2002b. ———, 1996. Systematics of the Freshwater Cherax of south eastern and central crayfish genus Cherax erichson australia. Part II: habitat variation. (Decapoda: Parastacidae) in northern Freshwater Crayfish, 13: 570-583. and eastern australia: electrophoretic McCormack, R.B., 2008. The Freshwater and Morphological Variation. australian crayfish of nsW australia. australian Journal of Zoology, 44: 223-258. Aquatic Biological Pty Ltd., Karuah, New ———, nguyen, t.t.t., Meewan, M.M., south Wales. & Jerry, D.r., 2003. the taxonomy and Munasinghe, D.h.n., Burridge, c.P., & phylogeny of the 'Cherax destructor' austin, c.M., 2004. the systematics of complex (Decapoda: Parastacidae) freshwater crayfish of the genus Cherax the setose YaBBY, Cherax setosus 1111

erichson (Decapoda: Parastacidae) in ———, 1969. The Australian freshwater eastern australia re-examined using c r a y f i s h ( c r u s t a c e a : D e c a p o d a : nucleotide sequences from 12s rrna Parastacidae), with descriptions of new and 16S rRNA genes. Invertebrate species. australian Journal of Zoology, 17: Systematics, 18: 215-225. 855-918. new south Wales national Parks and Sokol, A. 1988. Morphological variation in Wildlife service, 2003. nsW threat relation to the taxonomy of the destructor abatement Plan. Predation by gambusia group of the genus Cherax. Invertebrate holbrooki – the Plague Minnow. national taxonomy, 2: 55-79. Parks and Wildlife service, hurstville, new south Wales. o’Brien, a., coughran, J., & Mccormack, r.B., 2009. on the existence of Cherax addresses: (rBM) australian crayfish rotundus (clark 1941) in the severn region Project, c/- australian aquatic Biological Pty of southeastern Queensland. Queensland Ltd, P.O. Box 3, Karuah, NSW, Australia, naturalist 47: 41-52. 2324.; (JC) Environmental Futures Centre, Pyke, g.h., 2005. a review of the biology griffith school of environment, gold coast of Gambusia affinis and G. holbrooki. campus, griffith university, Queensland, reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, australia, 4222. 15: 339-365. E-mail: (RBM) [email protected]; (JC) riek, e.F., 1951. the freshwater crayfish [email protected] (Family Parastacidae) of Queensland, with an appendix describing other australian Received: 6 March 2011. species. records of the australian Accepted: 6 July 2011. Museum, 22: 368-388.