Yabby

The yabby is a freshwater crayfish native to much of southeastern Australia, found in rivers, dams, billabongs, and irrigation channels across a wide range of habitats. It digs extensive burrows into muddy banks, allowing it to survive periods of drought or low water by retreating underground until conditions improve. Its name comes from a word in the Wemba Wemba and related Aboriginal languages of southeastern Australia. The species tolerates a wide range of water temperatures and low oxygen conditions, making it one of the hardier freshwater crayfish species and a popular choice for both aquaculture ponds and use as fishing bait. It is an omnivorous scavenger, feeding on aquatic plants, detritus, and small invertebrates on the beds of the waters it inhabits. Because of its burrowing habit, it is sometimes considered a nuisance in irrigation infrastructure and earthen dams, where its tunnels can weaken banks.