Abstract:
The introduction of alien crayfsh species has resulted in changes of native
species communities throughout the world. The Australian redclaw crayfsh Cherax
quadricarinatus were introduced in Malaysia for aquarium and aquaculture industry
since 1980s. The current paper presents the distribution of the species in Malaysia
through sampling trips, market surveys and focused interviews. Multiple size specimen
in populations obtained from Sungai Benut (Johor) and Suai (Sarawak) confrms the
establishment of the species in both west (Malaysian Peninsular) and east Malaysia
(Borneo). There are no reports yet of any native species displacement or other ecological
impacts in Malaysia caused by the redclaw introduction, although the potential cannot
be dismissed totally. The growing redclaw culture industry could facilitate the spread of
C. quadricarinatus faster and further in the near future.
