Can Redclaw be conbined with Fish

[SanJuanCap]

Question for KellenW, What kind of crustaceans do you recommend in the US? Anything in particular for Southern California?

[kellenw]

SanJuanCap,
If the Virile Crayfish (aka Northern Crayfish) is native or established in your general area, I would probably go with them. They get quite large (though not as large as Australian Red Claw), are quite hardy and grow quickly. They taste just like lobster, but maybe just a bit sweeter. Excellent meat.

[SanJuanCap]

Thanks, I am thinking of using a separate tank for them if you think there is a better way let me know. I would rather have them eating up all of the bottom leftovers from the tilapia but I think the Tilapia will get hurt, disease, etc. Now the question is where do I buy these critters or should I just trap them with a coke bottle at the local pond?

[kellenw]

You could use a blocking net or a fish cage to keep the tilapia in if you wanted. The tilapia won't usually bother the crays except when the crays go through molt. I would be inclined to keep them separate somehow though just to be on the safe side.

The Virile Cray is not native to California (I just looked it up), but it is widely introduced throughout the state and has actually caused some major issues for the native Shasta crayfish (a small cray that can't compete with the Virile. I would probably avoid it in your area as it might get you in trouble. Check with fish and game, and see what they say because if you can raise the Virile cray, that would be my pick. Where I live, in Missouri, it's the top choice of our available natives. Also, importation of ANY kind of crayfish into California requires a permit, so capture will likely be your only option outside of buying an unknown species from a bait shop. If you capture them in public waters, make sure you get a fishing license. It's required. I also believe they even prohibit collection from some lakes and streams in California, so you might want to check into that.