Cherax nucifraga (Nutcracker Yabby)
Species Account
A medium-sized, semi-aquatic species known from the Reynolds River, Finniss River and Melville Island in the Northern Territory, Australia. A burrowing species found in seasonal floodplain wetlands. Fully grown males have broad chelae with a wide gape and prominent teeth resembling a nutcracker. Mature adults of both sexes have a dark red soft patch on the outer propodus of the chela. Carapace length to 45 mm.🔗View original description by Short (1991). — John W. Short, 2026
High-resolution downloadable image
Colour photograph, 3600 x 2400 pixels (30 x 20 cm @ 300dpi), JPEG (2.44 MB). Photographed specimen bred from Melville Island broodstock by Dave Wilson. Photographed 15 November 2025.
License – a restricted, non-exclusive license to reproduce the image in a single edition of a printed publication (see Terms and Conditions).
Attribution – John W. Short, BioAccess Australia.