Crayfish, locally known as ‘crayfish’ in Nigeria, are delicious small freshwater crustaceans that resemble miniature lobsters. They are a highly popular ingredient used in various local and intercontinental dishes in Southern Nigeria.
The commercial town of Warri in Delta State is one of the major markets for crayfish trade and supply. The prices fluctuate depending on factors like season, availability and local demand.
In this comprehensive article, we will look at:
- An overview of crayfish and its culinary uses
- The crayfish market in Warri
- Factors affecting crayfish prices
- Seasonal price fluctuations
- Estimated price range per bag in Warri
Crayfish belong to the family ‘Cambaridae’. There are numerous species found across Nigeria, with the most common being ‘Procambarus clarkii’. They thrive in freshwater habitats like streams, rivers, ponds and lakes.
Some key features of crayfish:
- Hard protective exoskeleton
- Ten legs – front two have claws for capturing prey
- Omnivorous diet – eat insects, plants, fish etc.
- Found abundantly across Africa and Europe
- Delicate sweet flavor
Locally, crayfish are a cherished ingredient. The meat is tender and absorbs sauces and spices nicely. They are used in flavorful stews, jollof rice, soups yam porridge and many more dishes.
The usually sandy-brown crayfish lend a unique sweetness and texture to Nigerian cuisine. Their availability is seasonal, hence prices fluctuate.
Crayfish Supply in Warri
Warri serves as a major supply hub for crayfish coming in from Ughievwen and Udu areas of Delta State as well as other crayfish producing areas
The popular crayfish market in Warri is situated along Cemetery Road, by Ekurede Itsekiri. This is where wholesalers and retailers buy crayfish supplies on a daily basis for trade across Delta and other neighboring states.
In addition, there are dozens of small crayfish depots scattered across the markets and streets of Warri. These provide easy access for purchase by households and small business owners on retail basis.
Factors Affecting Crayfish Prices in Warri
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Seasons – During peak harvest between March to August, prices are low. In the off-season, less supply causes prices to be higher.
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Festive Demand – Prices increase during festive periods like Christmas, Easter and Sallah when demand is exceptionally high.
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Weather Conditions – Floods or drought affecting crayfish breeding habitats can decrease yields and supply.
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Operational Costs – Changes in transport, labor or other overheads impact crayfish prices.
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Supply From Other States – Arrival of crayfish stock from Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Lagos etc affects local Warri prices.
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Demand in Other Markets – High demand for crayfish from neighboring states leads to price increment.
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Foreign Exchange – USD to Naira rates indirectly impact costs of inputs and transportation.
Estimated Price Range Per Bag in Warri
Here is a look at the general price range per bag during different seasons:
Peak Harvest Price (March to August)
- Big Bag (25-30 rubbers) – N35,000 – N45,000
- Regular Bag (20-22 rubbers) – N25,000 – N32,000
- Small Bag (15 rubbers) – N18,000 – N22,000
Low Harvest Price (September to February)
- Big Bag (25-30 rubbers) – N50,000 – N70,000
- Regular Bag (20-22 rubbers) – N38,000 – N55,000
- Small Bag (15 rubbers) – N28,000 – N36,000
The prices depend on quality, freshness and source location. Recently arrived stock directly from Udu crayfish ponds is usually more expensive than older stock.
Retail prices per rubber or paint range from N1200 for low quality stock to N3000 for fresh A-grade crayfish from reputable suppliers.
In peak festive periods like Christmas, prices for 30-rubber big bags can surge as high as N100,000 per bag at times.
Buying Recommendations
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Buy fresh crayfish that is sandy brown in color with clean segmented bodies. Avoid black discolored or broken stock.
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Purchase from reputable depots near crayfish landing areas for best value and freshness.
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Buy in bulk directly from major traders during peak season and freeze excess to store for off-season.
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Retail prices below N2000 per rubber indicates stock is not premium quality.
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Well
Legit.ng visits Nigeria’s biggest crayfish market | Legit TV
FAQ
How much is a bag of crayfish now?
Which state in Nigeria has the best crayfish?
How much does crayfish cost in Nigeria?
On the wholesale pricing of crayfish in Nigeria, one full bag will cost between ₦70,000 and ₦75,000. In the producing districts, medium-sized crayfish will cost around ₦80,000, although prices will vary in other areas. In addition, the normal or small-size bags of crayfish, which are usually sold at retail, cost between ₦15,000 and ₦20,000.
How many sachets of crayfish are in a pack?
Tasty crayfish, available in custard buckets, kilogram measurements and in bags. Kindly note that This pack comprises . 65 sachets of clean crayfish . And each of these sachets is sold at #50 The best in sales,supply and export of stockfish
How much does a bag of stockfish cost?
In addition, a bag of stockfish heads and ears can cost up to ₦70,000. The price of the bag without the ear and only the okporoko heads is ₦40,000. While these statistics are current, keep in mind that if you don’t want to buy from third parties and instead import, a metric tonne container of stockfish costs roughly 50 million naira.
Are crayfish edible?
Crayfish, an edible crustacean of high order that lives in the sea and is a staple of Nigerian cuisine, is consumed by people worldwide. The best crayfish species and quality may be found in southern Nigeria, where roughly a thousand metric tons of crayfish are produced each year.