While fishing for bass at a local L.A. park lake I snagged a big ball of fishing line and a giant male crawdad that was hopelessly tangled up in the mess. I cut it free from all the lines and released it back in to the lake. It would have made an interesting aquarium pet I suppose but no spare tanks to be had. The specimen was quite large, around a foot long, no exaggeration! I've seen others of similar size at the same lake. Don't know the species but this one had some interesting coloration...
Wow, cool. Really pretty cray mate!
If you were on the east coast of Australia I would have called it for a Lamington Spiny Crayfish…but of course having to survive all the deadly snakes and spiders people always talk about, they’re just built a bit different
While fishing for bass at a local L.A. park lake I snagged a big ball of fishing line and a giant male crawdad that was hopelessly tangled up in the mess. I cut it free from all the lines and released it back in to the lake. It would have made an interesting aquarium pet I suppose but no spare tanks to be had. The specimen was quite large, around a foot long, no exaggeration! I've seen others of similar size at the same lake. Don't know the species but this one had some interesting coloration... View attachment 1563868
Lovely Cherax quadricarinatus. You're right, they do make rather decent pets. Haven't seen any that large myself, heard they make good eating... Could've tried cooking it up like a lobster if that sort of thing suits your fancy.
And here I was expecting to read about your heroic single-handed rescue of a nubile, scantily-clad female sunbather from an attacking giant crayfish on a deserted beach.
And here I was expecting to read about your heroic single-handed rescue of a nubile, scantily-clad female sunbather from an attacking giant crayfish on a deserted beach.
Wow, didn't expect responses! My 'geek' side had to do a bit of research. It turns out the species is Procambarus Clarkii, the Red Swamp Crayfish, an invasive species, now endemic to many lakes, rivers and streams in Southern California and elsewhere. The lake in question is connected to the headwaters of the Los Angeles River. The lake is fed from a water reclamation project, resulting as reclaimed sewage treatment water. Presumably the effects result in a 'nutrient rich' aquatic environment where all manner of wildlife seems to thrive. I've seen folks trap crawfish there and take them home to eat, I would assume.
When I caught it, I remarked to another angler nearby " I caught a Lobstah!" Using a fake Boston accent, of course... Someone said "break out the drawn butter, eh? All considered, one would wonder about the 'flavor profile' of the specimen considering the water source? I would think it might taste kind of crappy