Breeding the yabby
Spawns from early spring to midsummer once water is above 15 °C (longer days start egg development). The male deposits a spermatophore and the female carries the eggs under her tail, cleaning them; they hatch in 19-40 days depending on temperature (about 40 days at 20 °C; above 30 °C harms hatching). The young are carried until stage 3 juveniles. Can spawn up to five times a year at 18-20 °C with 14-hour days.
Step by step
One male and 2 females in a large tank with hides.
Large tank with caves and sand; separate female when berried.
Seasonal temperature changes and good feeding.
Average about 350 eggs, 30-450 per brood, and over 1,000 in a large female; eggs about 2 mm, olive green; incubation 19-40 days.
Juveniles are tiny crayfish; feed meaty foods and keep separate to prevent cannibalism.
- Mixing males
- Too little cover
- Poor water quality
Male or female
- Male: Larger claws
- Female: Smaller claws, wider tail
- Look at claw size
Can I breed it in my tank?
- Good for a first breeding project.
Day-by-day plan
Typical for shrimp
- Day 0Berried female
Eggs are carried under the tail. Keep the water stable and don't move her.
- Day 21Hatching
After about 2–4 weeks tiny shrimp hatch. They graze on biofilm and moss.
- Day 30Growing
Keep a sponge on the filter intake. Feed powdered shrimp food a little at a time.
- Day 90Adults
They can breed themselves at about 3 months.
A general guide for this breeding type. Days change with temperature and species.
Simulator: guided
Eggs are carried under the tail. Keep the water stable and don't move her.
Simulator: try it yourself
Set up a virtual breeding tank and see what would likely happen.
- A female became berried.
An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.