Plasticity in population biology of Cherax cainii (Decapoda: Parastacidae) inhabiting lentic and lotic environments in south-western Australia: Implications for the sustainable management of the recreational fishery

► The study demonstrates considerable variability in the population biology of a large parastacid. ► Growth rate and productivity of adult Cherax cainii was greater in the lotic system. ► Stunting of adults occurred in the habitat limited lentic population and the stock was over exploited. ► Sustainable increases in fishing exploitation may be possible in more pristine rivers. ► Habitat and water quality decline and rainfall reductions are the major long-term threats to the fishery.