How Much is A Bag of Crayfish in Nigeria?: The one set of people who do not joke with food and flavor building are Nigerians. There is hardly any Nigerian soup that does well in the absence of crayfish in it. What is a pot of Afang or Edikang Ikong without crayfish in it? You don’t want to know! Our grandmothers have been using these sweet crustaceans to prepare flavorful meals long before the existence of seasoning cubes. Not long ago, one could stroll into the market with Fifty Naira and buy a substantial amount of crayfish and this quantity would be more than enough for whatever meal they want to prepare. This is not the case anymore.
The price of food items in Nigeria has increased and crayfish is not left out. So how much is a bag of Crayfish in Nigeria Today? We will provide answers to these questions below in this article; but before we do, you need to understand that there are different kinds of crayfish sold in Nigeria. Some are considered superior and others are considered inferior and their quality also affects their price points.
Beyond providing clarity on how much is a bag of Crayfish in Nigeria, we will also provide information on the factors that have caused the cost of crayfish to spike ranging from seasonality to cost of transportation. Read the subsequent sections for details.
Crayfish: What are They?
Crayfish, also sometimes called crawfish or crawdads, are freshwater crustaceans related to lobsters but typically much smaller. They’re fascinating little creatures with some interesting characteristics:-
- Habitat: Crayfish are found in freshwater environments like streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. They prefer areas with clean water and hiding spots among rocks, logs, or plants.
- Appearance: They have a segmented body with a hard outer shell (exoskeleton) for protection. They typically range in size from a few centimeters to about 30 cm (12 inches) in length, with the largest species being the Tasmanian giant freshwater crayfish.
- Diet: Crayfish are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They scavenge for detritus (decaying organic matter), algae, small insects, and even small fish. They use their pincers (chelipeds) to grab food and tear it into pieces.
- Behavior: Crayfish are generally nocturnal, meaning they are more active at night. They are solitary creatures and spend most of their time hiding or foraging for food. They can walk on land for short periods and even burrow in the mud to escape predators.
Here are some additional fun facts about crayfish:-
- They breathe through feather-like gills located under their carapace (upper shell).
- They shed their exoskeleton as they grow, similar to crabs and lobsters.
- Crayfish are an important part of the freshwater ecosystem. They help to decompose organic matter and provide food for fish, birds, and other animals.
- In some parts of the world, crayfish are considered a delicacy and are consumed as food.
Crayfish is very popular in Nigeria, especially in the southern parts; the rest of Nigeria has also gotten with the program and realized that crayfish do magic to their delicacies.
What Are The Nutritional Value of Crayfish?
- Crayfish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Omega-3s can help to reduce bad cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure.
- Crayfish are also a good source of choline, which is an important nutrient for brain health. Choline helps to improve memory and cognitive function.
- Crayfish contain calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are all important for maintaining strong bones.
- Crayfish are a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.
Types of Crayfish Sold in Nigeria
Oron Crayfish:
Oron crayfish is the most popular and most liked type of crayfish sold in Nigeria. It is obtained from the waters of Oron Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. It is known for its strong flavor and aroma. Oron crayfish can range in size from quite small to rather large. Because of its high demand, Oron Crayfish commands a higher price than the rest of the crayfish sold in Nigeria
Nembe Crayfish:
Nembe crayfish is a specific type of dried crayfish popular in Nigeria, obtained from catches around Nembe, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. It’s not a distinct species of crayfish, but rather a term used for crayfish processed and sourced from the Nembe area.
Nembe crayfish is known for being naturally sweet, very clean, and super tasty. They are sold for a lower price than the Oron crayfish.
Ede crayfish:
They are also known as “ede pupa or okporo” depending on the region, are dried red crayfish commonly used in Nigerian cuisine. It’s not a specific species of crayfish, but rather a type of processed crayfish. The crayfish are cleaned, dried, and sometimes smoked to preserve them. This drying process gives them a reddish color, hence the name “red crayfish”. They may be sold whole or ground into a powder.
Ede crayfish is known for its smoky and intense seafood flavor, adding a rich umami element to dishes.
How Much is A Custard Rubber of Crayfish in Nigeria?
- Oron crayfish: A custard bucket (One Painter) of Oron Crayfish cost ₦5,500 – ₦7,000.
- Nembe crayfish: A custard bucket(One Painter) of Nembe Crayfish ₦4,500 – ₦6,000
- Ede crayfish: One custard bucket of Ede crayfish costs ₦5,000 – ₦6,000 and this is because of their size.
How Much is Half Bag of Crayfish in Nigeria?
To know how much is a bag of crayfish in Nigeria today let’s look at the different kinds of crayfish and the location that they can be found.
- Oron crayfish: Half a bag of oron crayfish goes for about ₦35,500 to ₦45,000 in Nigeria today.
- Nembe crayfish: Half a bag of Nembe crayfish goes for about ₦25,500 in Nigeria today.
How Much is A Big Bag of Crayfish in Nigeria?
How much is a bag of crayfish is a question asked by both chefs and no chefs as the current price of crayfish is alarming. A big bag of crayfish costs around N80,000 to N95,000 in Nigeria today. A big bag of crayfish contains a large quantity of crayfish and is ideally purchased by individuals who want to resell it in smaller quantities.
How Many Custard Buckets Does A Bag of Crayfish Contain?
A big bag of crayfish contains 30 custard buckets. This means that if you use a custard bucket to measure out a big bag of crayfish, you will get thirty full custard buckets and some.
Factors That Cause The Price of A Bag of Crayfish to Soar in Nigeria
In addition to the answer of How much is a bag of crayfish in Nigeria today, let us look at Several factors that can contribute to the price fluctuations of crayfish in Nigeria:
- Season: Crayfish are seasonal, with peak availability during the rainy season (typically May to September). Lower crayfish numbers during the dry season can naturally drive prices up.
- Demand: Crayfish is a popular seafood choice in Nigeria, and high demand during festivals, holidays, or periods of celebration can put a strain on supply and increase prices.
- Fuel Costs: Transportation costs can significantly impact the price of crayfish. Fluctuations in fuel prices can affect how much it costs to get crayfish from fishing locations to markets.
- Spoilage Rates: Crayfish are highly perishable. Post-harvest spoilage due to inadequate preservation methods or long transportation times can reduce supply and drive prices up.
Understanding these factors can help you determine the best time to buy your crayfish.
Tips For Getting Crayfish At Cheaper Rates
Here are some tips for getting crayfish at cheaper rates in Nigeria:-
- Buy During Peak Season: As mentioned earlier, crayfish are more abundant during the rainy season (May to September). This increased supply often leads to lower prices.
- Shop at Local Markets: Supermarkets might have higher markups. Consider buying directly from local fishermen at waterfront markets or smaller vendors who might offer more competitive prices.
- Negotiate the Price: Haggling is a common practice in many Nigerian markets. Be polite but firm when negotiating a price for crayfish, especially if you are buying in bulk.
How To Store Crayfish
- Refrigerator (Up to 3 months): For short-term storage, keep dried/ground crayfish in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Pantry: If you won’t use them within 3 months, dried crayfish can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place like a pantry.
- You can freeze cooked crayfish for several months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper, then place them in a sealed freezer bag. Pre-cooking crayfish before freezing can help preserve flavor and texture.
FAQs About The Price of Crayfish in Nigeria
How Much is A Bag of Crayfish in Oron Today?
How much is a bag of crayfish varies from location to location. Currently, a bag of crayfish is sold at N80,000 in Oron Today.
How Many Custard Buckets Are in a Bag of Crayfish?
A big bag of crayfish as earlier mentioned contains about thirty full custard buckets.
Is Crayfish Business Profitable in Nigeria?
The crayfish business in Nigeria has the potential to be profitable, but there are factors to consider:-
- High Demand: Crayfish is a popular ingredient in Nigerian cuisine, with consistent demand throughout the year.
- Relatively Low Barrier to Entry: Compared to other livestock, crayfish farming or trading can be started with a lower investment.
- Potential for Export: There’s a market for exporting dried crayfish to Nigerians living abroad and potentially to other countries.
- Seasonality: Crayfish are more readily available during the rainy season, leading to price fluctuations.
- Perishability: Crayfish spoil quickly, requiring proper storage and transportation methods to minimize spoilage and lost profits.
- Competition: The crayfish business is competitive, so success depends on effective marketing, strategic buying/selling practices, and potentially offering value-added products (like pre-peeled crayfish). (Source https://theinfoworth.com/crayfish-business-nigeria/)
How To Increase Your Chances of Success:
- Understand the Market: Research current crayfish prices, consumer preferences, and potential challenges.
- Develop a Business Plan: Outline your strategy for buying, storing, selling, and (if applicable) farming crayfish.
- Focus on Quality: Ensure you’re providing fresh, high-quality crayfish to build customer trust and repeat business.
- Explore Value-Added Products: Consider offering peeled crayfish, flavored varieties, or other options that might appeal to customers and potentially command a higher price.
Overall, the crayfish business can be profitable in Nigeria, but careful planning, understanding the market, and good business practices are crucial for success.
Have we answered your question: How Much is A Bag of Crayfish in Nigeria? If you have more questions for us regarding the cost of crayfish in Nigeria, feel free to send in your questions and be guaranteed accurate answers.