Freshwater crayfish

are freshwater Decapoda which can grow to be great. Number of freshwater crayfish reached more than 500 species spread throughout the world as the original specimens, such as southern Europe, northern Japan, Northeast China, East Russia, Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, Uruguay, South Brazil, Chile and southern Madagascar. In Indonesia, especially in the waters of Jaya Wijaya there are several species, including Cherax monticola, C. Lorenzi, C. communis, C. papuana and C. waselli.

At first freshwater crayfish known as ornamental fish commodities. Color and shape are the main attraction to be used as a display at the aquarium. Various types of freshwater crayfish have been brought in (imported) to meet the ornamental fish market in Indonesia. In addition, the ornamental lobster hunting hobbyists local species species native to Indonesia.

In Indonesia commodity freshwater lobster has become a popular decoration since 1991. The success of freshwater crayfish farming techniques make fast growing and can reach a large size, so that since 2003 the farmers developed a type of freshwater shrimp as a commodity is not only decorative but also to commodity consumption. Supplies of freshwater lobster consumption increased, but production is still very low so the price is very high.

In 1994, the United States (U.S.) export crayfish more than 4000 tons. The more years of declining production, so imports are increasing. In 2000, the U.S. has little or no export the fresh water crayfish. In 2004 U.S. imports of freshwater crayfish to reach 7 000 tonnes, while production in 2002 reaching 30 000 tonnes.

Development of freshwater crayfish as a commodity valued more potential consumption. This is based on several reasons, among others, market demand is still unmet, both domestic and export. One of them was also backed by the instability of sea water lobster catches. Another reason is that if the freshwater crayfish as a commodity that is consumed, the availability of freshwater crayfish stock will always be needed. Not only export markets, market domestikpun until now still not fulfilled stably.

In Indonesia, freshwater lobster meal is still limited to restaurants in major cities and hotels at very high. These conditions make commodity crayfish would be potential business opportunities. In addition, increasing population and demand people's income level does the effort to explore alternatives to increase production as supporting the availability of food. Natural resource conditions in Indonesia in general are also very suitable for the development of freshwater crayfish aquaculture.