Smooth Yabby

The Cherax destructor, commonly known as the yabby, is a freshwater crayfish native to Australia and a significant animal in both ecological and cultural contexts.

Yabbies are found in a wide range of aquatic environments, including rivers, creeks, farm dams, and wetlands throughout much of inland NSW, VIC, QLD and SA. They are well known for their ability to survive in temporary or harsh environments by burrowing into mud to escape drought or extreme heat.

Cherax destructor is an opportunistic omnivore, feeding on decaying plant matter, algae, insects, and small invertebrates. This varied diet, along with its hardy nature, allows the yabby to thrive in fluctuating conditions that many other freshwater animals cannot tolerate.

Yabbies are mostly nocturnal and emerge from their shelters to feed at night. During the day, they typically remain hidden in burrows, beneath rocks or submerged logs, to avoid predators and extreme temperatures.

Breeding usually occurs in the warmer months. Females can produce hundreds of eggs, which they carry under their tails until the young are ready to hatch. In some areas, yabby populations have expanded rapidly due to farm dam introductions and their ability to colonise new habitats.

Despite their adaptability, yabby populations can be threatened by overharvesting, habitat destruction, and the spread of introduced species and diseases. Conservation of their natural environments and responsible harvesting practices are essential to ensure the long-term survival of wild populations.

Yabbies can survive out of water for several days by breathing through moist gills— so long as their environment stays damp!