The Tasmanian giant freshwater crayfish (Astacopsis gouldi) is the largest freshwater invertebrate in the world. They have a dorso-ventrally flattened body with powerfully developed pinchers on their first set of walking legs. Their abdominal legs are longer, adapted for swimming. Females also attach their eggs to these legs. They eat leaves, fish and other meat including other lobsters. Females only breed every 2 years. They mate and spawn in the autumn and the eggs will hatch the next summer. A male can maintain a harem of several females.
Individuals of over 5 kg in weight and over 80 cm long have been known in the past, but now, even individuals over 2 kg are rare.
A. gouldi is very long-lived – almost 40 years. Unusually it is able to regrow lost limbs. Their blood is clear, turning blue on contact with oxygen. Their main predators are humans, platypus, river blackfish and water rats.
The species in only found in Tasmania, and is listed as a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and over fishing. It is also severely threatened by siltation and de-snagging of streams as decaying wood forms a favorite part of its diet.
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Individuals of over 5 kg in weight and over 80 cm long have been known in the past, but now, even individuals over 2 kg are rare.
A. gouldi is very long-lived – almost 40 years. Unusually it is able to regrow lost limbs. Their blood is clear, turning blue on contact with oxygen. Their main predators are humans, platypus, river blackfish and water rats.
The species in only found in Tasmania, and is listed as a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and over fishing. It is also severely threatened by siltation and de-snagging of streams as decaying wood forms a favorite part of its diet.
Read more:
