Tasmanian giant freshwater crayfish
The Tasmanian giant freshwater crayfish, also called Tasmanian giant freshwater lobster, is the largest freshwater invertebrate and the largest freshwater crayfish species in the world. The species is only found in the rivers below 400 metres (1,300 ft) above sea level in northern Tasmania, an island-state of Australia. It is listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List due to overfishing and habitat degradation, and it has been prohibited to catch the crayfish since 1998.
The watercolour sketch
Flowerdale River, Meunna, North West Tasmania. A waterway ecosystem where Astacopsis gouldi is likely to occur
Sculpture of a giant freshwater lobster in Burnie Park.
Hebe River at Lobbs Bridge, Milabena
Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans belonging to the infraorder Astacidea, which also contains lobsters. Taxonomically, they are members of the superfamilies Astacoidea and Parastacoidea. They breathe through feather-like gills. Some species are found in brooks and streams, where fresh water is running, while others thrive in swamps, ditches, and paddy fields. Most crayfish cannot tolerate polluted water, although some species, such as Procambarus clarkii, are hardier. Crayfish feed on animals and plants, either living or decomposing, and detritus.
Crayfish
Cajun style crawfish
A man selling dried crayfish at an African market
Astacidae: Austropotamobius pallipes