Previous studies of redclaw have indicated
the importance of shelter for early stage
juveniles (Du Boulay et al. 1993; Jones
1995a, 1995b; Karplus et al. 1995). These
studies demonstrated that redclaw are able
to discriminate between different shelter
types and display clear preferences.
Most redclaw farmers provide some form
of shelter in their ponds; however, there is
no consensus as to the amount or type of
shelter that is most effective. Greatest consideration
is given to the cost, and this explains
the widespread popularity of discarded
car tires as a redclaw shelter. Increasingly
strict environmental regulations for the
disposal of tires are likely to disallow this
usage or to demand their removal, and consequently
redclaw farmers may be faced
with a significant financial liability. Moreover,
the adequacy of tires as a redclaw
shelter has not been formally assessed.
It is also common for redclaw farmers to
use bundles of onion bags or similar mesh
material as crayfish shelters, particularly for
juveniles (Fielder and Thorne 1990; Jones
1990). For such shelters, material is
bunched together and weighted to the bottom.
Less common shelter types include
off-cuts of pipe, corrugated fiber-board
sheet, plastic sheeting, discarded fishing
nets, bamboo pieces, or mounds of fallen
timber.