Evidence for the inheritance of a blue variant of the Australian fresh-water crayfish Cherax destructor (Decapoda: Parastacidae) as an autosomal recessive

The inheritance of a blue body color phenotype found in Cherax destructor (the yabby) was investigated in a series of experimental crosses including both F 2 and backcrosses. The blue phenotype, which can be easily distinguished from the normal color phenotype in newly released juvenile yabbies, was found to be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Color phenotype was independent of age for juveniles maintained over a 12-week period, and no association was found between color and sex. The potential for the use of this blue trait as a genetic marker in growth comparisons of yabby strains is discussed.