Crayfish prices could rise before Christmas due to bad weather

Lobster and crayfish have always been a luxury offering on the tables at Christmas celebrations across Australia but this year it could be even more expensive.

The price of lobster at South Melbourne Market is selling for between $110 and $120 a kilogram this morning but fishmongers are warning it could rise to $150 or $160.

The predicted price rise is due to wild weather off Victoria and Tasmania that hampered the start of the crayfish fishing season.

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Catches over the next few weeks will be crucial to ensuring supply can meet Christmas demand.

"If the weather comes good we're going to be alright," Con Panayides from Gem Pier Seafood said.

"If the weather stays windy and rainy like it has been then it can affect the price, it definitely can go up."

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Fishmonger Angelo Zahos said they would have plenty of crayfish either way.

"(The) export market is a little bit higher this year than normal but I suspect the prices will be the same as last year," Zahos said.

"A good option would be to buy them a week or two before Christmas put them in the freezer and don't worry about queueing up as well."

Fishmongers say families could buy prawns instead of crayfish, with prices down $10 a kilo on last year.