Spiny freshwater crayfish dwell at the bottom in cool freshwater habitats such as slow-moving streams and ponds. These crustaceans walk along the river or pond floor for most of year. When water temperatures rise in the summer, though, spiny freshwater crayfish usually burrow holes to escape the heat. Spiny freshwater crayfish tend to live in Australia's rainforests since the trees provide shade on the forest's waters. In Northern Australia, spiny freshwater crayfish live in waters at high altitudes to avoid the temperatures prevalent in the region's lowlands. Spiny freshwater crayfish owners must place their pets in an aquarium with a heavy lid since these animals will escape if given the chance.
When foraging for food, spiny freshwater crayfish search for debris and vegetation found on a river or pond floor. Spiny freshwater crayfish are also opportunistic carnivorous feeders, meaning they do not have a strict dietary regiment. The primary source of meat for spiny freshwater crayfish is carrion, or dead animal carcasses. In captivity, a spiny freshwater crayfish owners usually feed their pets an omnivorous diet consisting of small pieces of meat, carrot peels, earthworms and green vegetation.
Similar to all other crustaceans, spiny freshwater crayfish never stop growing their entire lives. However, the acceleration of growth is quicker when crayfish are younger and decreases as they age. Some spiny freshwater crayfish live as long as 50 years, although most specimens live between 11 and 16 years. Female spiny freshwater crayfish become sexually mature between the ages of 8 and 11. The mating season for spiny freshwater crayfish is typically during May and June. Spiny freshwater crayfish are oviparous, or egg-laying animals, and their eggs usually hatch in September or October. By the time November arrives, most juveniles have left their mothers.
The purpose of burrowing for spiny freshwater crayfishes is twofold. The first is too protect itself from the heat caused by summer temperatures. In Australia, the summer arrives from November to January; these animals emerge into the water when cool temperatures arrive. Spiny freshwater crayfish also burrow holes in the ground to escape from potential predators such as large fish, turtles, snakes and other crustaceans. Some crayfish colonies burrow networks approximately 4 to 5 feet underneath a river or pond's floor.