Cherax depressus

Orange fingered yabby
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Malacostraca
Order:	Decapoda
Suborder:	Pleocyemata
Family:	Parastacidae
Genus:	Cherax
Species:	C. depressus
Binomial name
Cherax depressus Riek, 1951

Cherax depressus, the orange fingered yabby, is an Australian freshwater crustacean in the family Parastacidae.

Description

Yabby in defensive pose

A relatively small species of yabby reaching a maximum of 15 cm (5.9 in) in length. Named the 'orange fingered' yabby due to the orange tipping on the end of their chelae (pincers).

These yabbies dwell in dug burrows alongside small creeks or ephemeral waterways and can survive dry conditions for several years by lying dormant in burrows sunk deep into the muddy creek beds, coming out into open water only during heavy rainful. They dig their burrows with their mega sized pincers, burrowing generally around 50–80 cm deep, but can dig deeper during droughts if necessary. Even when not in drought, the yabby will rarely emerge from its burrow chambers, making it a rarely seen yabby species.

Colour is highly variable and depends on the environmental conditions and habitat; yabbies can range from black, blue-black, dark brown, dark red, dark green, dark blue and brown-red. Although usually consisting of a brownish-red top side and a light or dark blue underside and legs.

Orange fingers and blue legs of Cherax depressus

Juveniles may be found inhabiting open water and small creeks as they slowly develop their digging skills. Adults will rarely venture outside their burrows unless mating or desperate for food.

Distribution

Yabbies are found along the South Eastern coast of QLD and northern NSW.

In the Aquarium

These yabbies make great aquarium pets with only low maintenance and the fact they can survive months without eating .