First wild record of australian redclaw crayfish cherax quadricarinatus (Von martens, 1868) in the east coast of peninsular malaysia

Abstract

Six individuals of Australian redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens, 1868) (Decapoda: Parastacidae), the identity of which was confirmed through morphological and molecular characterization. They were caught from the wild environment in Terengganu, East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Since there is no record of redclaw aquaculture in close vicinity of the sampling site, it is hypothesized that the introduction of the species has been caused through a release by aquarists. Further studies are essential to understand the distribution and potential impacts of this invasive species in the area, and in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.