Marron
Encyclopedia
Marron is a name given to two closely related species of crayfish
in Western Australia
. Formerly considered a single species, it is now thought to comprise two species, the critically endangered Cherax tenuimanus
, and the species which is outcompeting it, Cherax cainii.
Marron make excellent eating, very similar in taste to lobster
. Given that they are a freshwater species, they are far less salty and provide an overall sweeter taste. Distinct from all other similar freshwater species is the fact that they do not burrow and do not take on as much waste into their flesh.
Also, they do not suffer from terminal growth, as do most other shellfish, so even very large and old specimens maintain excellent eating texture quality. They can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as boiling or grilling, and again similarly to lobster, the shells will turn a bright red colour when cooked.
Marron are considered a luxury product and are the subject of a developing aquaculture industry in Western Australia
and other Australian states. Total Australian production of farmed marron was 30 ton
s in 1996. In Western Australia, recreational fishing for marron is tightly controlled, with a limited season, permits are required and minimum sizes are enforced.
Marron have been introduced to Kangaroo Island
in South Australia
, where they have been commercially farmed, and have established feral populations in local waterways.
Crayfish
Crayfish, crawfish, or crawdads – members of the superfamilies Astacoidea and Parastacoidea – are freshwater crustaceans resembling small lobsters, to which they are related...
in Western Australia
Western Australia
Western Australia is a state of Australia, occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Great Australian Bight and Indian Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east and South Australia to the south-east...
. Formerly considered a single species, it is now thought to comprise two species, the critically endangered Cherax tenuimanus
Cherax tenuimanus
Cherax tenuimanus, known as the hairy marron or Margaret River marron, is one of two species of crayfish in Southwestern Australia known as marron. It occupies a narrow range within the southwestern biogeographical region of Margaret River...
, and the species which is outcompeting it, Cherax cainii.
Lobster
Clawed lobsters comprise a family of large marine crustaceans. Highly prized as seafood, lobsters are economically important, and are often one of the most profitable commodities in coastal areas they populate.Though several groups of crustaceans are known as lobsters, the clawed lobsters are most...
. Given that they are a freshwater species, they are far less salty and provide an overall sweeter taste. Distinct from all other similar freshwater species is the fact that they do not burrow and do not take on as much waste into their flesh.
Also, they do not suffer from terminal growth, as do most other shellfish, so even very large and old specimens maintain excellent eating texture quality. They can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as boiling or grilling, and again similarly to lobster, the shells will turn a bright red colour when cooked.
Marron are considered a luxury product and are the subject of a developing aquaculture industry in Western Australia
Western Australia
Western Australia is a state of Australia, occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Great Australian Bight and Indian Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east and South Australia to the south-east...
and other Australian states. Total Australian production of farmed marron was 30 ton
Ton
The ton is a unit of measure. It has a long history and has acquired a number of meanings and uses over the years. It is used principally as a unit of weight, and as a unit of volume. It can also be used as a measure of energy, for truck classification, or as a colloquial term.It is derived from...
s in 1996. In Western Australia, recreational fishing for marron is tightly controlled, with a limited season, permits are required and minimum sizes are enforced.
Marron have been introduced to Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is Australia's third-largest island after Tasmania and Melville Island. It is southwest of Adelaide at the entrance of Gulf St Vincent. Its closest point to the mainland is off Cape Jervis, on the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula in the state of South Australia. The island is long...
in South Australia
South Australia
South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...
, where they have been commercially farmed, and have established feral populations in local waterways.