The natural habitat is in the turbid billabong that is flushed during the wet season. This crayfish has many characteristics suitable to aquaculture and is one of the larger freshwater crayfish in the world. They have become commonly known as redclaw because mature males show a distinct soft red patch on the outer margin of the claws.
Females have slimmer blue-green claws that never show any red.
They are farmed in purpose built earthen ponds containing freshwater from underground supply, creeks, streams or dams. They thrive in the warmer waters of Central to Northern Queensland, and although redclaw can tolerate environmental extremes, commercial growth rates can only be sustained where water quality is high. C. Central Queensland Crayfish 29 ponds covering 5 hectares Breeding occurs predominately between September and April although in the farm situation almost continuous breeding can be stimulated. Techniques for breeding and juvenile production vary between farms but generally selected broodstock are placed in special breeder ponds where mating naturally occurs. Eggs change colour through the incubation period.