Perth Zoo Science staff have uncovered an intricate courtship and mating process for the elusive and critically endangered Hairy Marron (Cherax tenuimanus)!
 
The Hairy Marron is a large freshwater crayfish species endemic to the Margaret River in Western Australia. Unfortunately, due to competition and hybridisation with the smooth marron, wild populations have declined dramatically.
 
Perth Zoo takes a leading role in the collaborative conservation program for the species, supporting marron through all stages of life; from breeding to egg-laying, hatching and maturing.
 
For the past four years, Perth Zoo Science staff have worked relentlessly behind-the-scenes to bolster populations and learn more about this previously under-researched species.
 
Across four breeding cycles, countless new discoveries have been made, with the team closely documenting a courting and mating process that is more intricate than was previously known.
 
To celebrate Valentine’s Day (or Marron-tine's Day!) here’s a glimpse into what we do to encourage a bit of marron romance.  

Step 1: Match-making

The Hairy Marron species coordinator considers the genetics of each marron and matches males to females.  
 
Some pairs have been matched for consecutive seasons – like Margo and Jarrah who bred successfully two years in a row.

Step 2: Next door neighbours

A matched pair will be moved into the same tank, but with a barrier down the centre to take things slowly.
 
Keepers watch closely to see signs of compatibility like antennae touching through the barrier, or gentle touching and holding of each other’s chelipeds (the limb with the claw).
 
But! If there’s any intentional grabbing or stabbing motions, this pair is deemed incompatible and they are separated.

Step 3: Sleepovers

Once the positive signs have been observed, the barrier is removed and the courtship continues.
 
The male will become laser-focused on the female, he’ll sleep in the same shelter as her, rush at her and retreat backwards and hold his tail high while facing her.
 
Meanwhile, the female will be busy cleaning her abdomen and pleopods (the small paddle shaped appendage on the underside of her tail).
 
This phase can last a week or longer.

Step 4: Mating

When it’s time, the male will start to posture and show he’s ready. He’ll face her, while lifting and flicking his tail, and if she stays close by, he’ll carefully slide underneath her.
 
The reproductive organs will meet – interestingly, the male organs are found in line with the fifth walking legs, while the female organs are in line with her third walking legs.
 
According to our records, a mating can last anywhere from one minute up to eight minutes!

Step 5: Egg-laying

Within 24 hours of a successful mating, the female will lay her eggs into her tail and hold it tight like a clam shell - this is called berrying. For the next week, she’ll hold her eggs tight and won’t eat.
 
If the breeding is successful, the female will hold eggs under her tail for a few months while they mature.
 
Mothers have been documented gently swishing their eggs to aerate them, stroking them and even carefully flicking off bits of sand to keep them clean.


Every breeding season is an opportunity to learn more about this critically endangered species.  
 
This year, our teams are closely watching one clutch of eggs which we hope will develop into tiny adorable craylings.
 
With limited previous research on this elusive species, every new discovery is incredibly rewarding and exciting.

Over the years, we’ve seen more 263 craylings hatched through the program! It’s hoped this number will grow in 2026.


 
This species-saving work is done in collaboration with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.