Cray fish in Trinidad Rivers

Traditionally the crayfish have been hunted for food in Trinidad, It is mostly hunted in the Northern range and parts of the Central range due to the transparency of the river water which allows them to be easily seen, they  are pursued in areas where the river bed is rocky and the water is clear than murky.

 The Cray fish is mainly sought in the rainy season June to November, usually the coming of full moon brings with it heavy rains which floods the streams and displaced the Crayfish, they usually find niches along the bank and on the undersides of large stones. These are washed out and carried with the main current downriver.

The crayfish is usually haunted at nights when they come out to feed, this is because it is easier than having to fish them out from underneath large stones and boulders along the riverbed during the day time.

Some people practice simple ways of luring the crayfish out of its hiding place. They use pieces of coconut or meat tied to a piece of string. The meat or coconut is pushed at the front of the hiding place as bait, the Cray fish’s Gundy holds on to the bait and is drawn out easily.

The Cray fish also feeds on the yellowish colored fruits of the wild Tobacco which falls into the water, during this fruiting period it is not uncommon to see large numbers of them imbibing the fruit, while offering an easy catch.

 The Crayfish is held with bare experienced hands, wire mesh basket and gloves. They are easily seen when artificial light reflex in their eyes. Crayfish does not only occur during the torrential rains of November but during the period of a prolonged dry season when streams shrink to a few pools. These pools begin to dry out and the crayfish is caught in the very shallow waters. 

Catching Crayfish at the river is an enjoyable event that brings family together as it a cooperative type of fishing and this is a delicacy when made with curry and served with provisions or silky roti.
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