Lobster Breeding

[Will Hayward]

I've been keeping these lobsters for quite a while now. At long last I see the first tease of fruits for my labour. Shes gravid! I noticed she had been shy for a couple days and so I went in to check on her and low and behold a healthy looking belly of black pearly eggs.

Thought I would share my little surprise.

 

[booshified]

very interesting creature to keep. are these normal lobsters? guess im wondering how big they get

 

[Will Hayward]

I haven't been able to identify the species actually. These are freshwater lobsters, or from slightly brackish waters. Right now they are about 4 " long completely extended claws and all. They came into my care last winter and arrived at about 2" total.

Primarily nocturnal, will eat anything (plant, algae or meat) and wont hesitate to snag a fish if they are hungry in the slightest.

Most likely they are from either Australia and where being farm bred, (because Australia does not export any of their animals) or they are from a nearby country, New Zealand, New Guinea.

 

[Will Hayward]

Oops, I deleted the second image... Here it is again.

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[ian]

My first guess is they may be Austrailian red claw crayfish. I'm by no means a crustacean(sp) specialist. full grown adult size will give the answer. if they stay in the 4 to 6 inch range, they are somthing else, but if they grow to the 12 in range then thats what they are. I've also read that red claws are very tasty......most all crays and lobsters are omnivourus detritus eaters. and as long as they have enough cave type areas to claim as thier own. thay can be kept together, but thay will battle often. fatalities usually only occur after/during a shell shed. also if they shed it's good(nutritionally speaking) to let the water bugs eat the old shell.you have a cool project here. i'm highly curious about this endeavour.

 

[Will Hayward]

Thanks Ian, I'm not convinced they are Red Claw freshwater Crayfish, but maybe their colour will develop that way and grow that size.

-Red in colour (before cooking )
-Black eggs not tan
-4" long

Either way they are incredible.