Cherax cainii Austin, 2002 ‒ Smooth Marron

Species Account

A large, fully aquatic, cultivated species with a natural distribution from Harvey to Denmark in southwest Australia. Prefers deep pools in permanent rivers and streams. Rostrum armed with 5 10 sharp spines; anterior carapace bearing five distinct carinae, posterior carapace and abdomen bearing numerous large tubercles. Dark brown to black. Length to 400 mm. Highly similar to the Hairy Marron, Cherax tenuimanus but lacks setae on the body. An "Electric Blue" form of the species is popular in the aquarium trade. — John W. Short, 2026

Image

Specimen collected from Warren River near Manjimup, Western Australia. Photographed by John W. Short.