Tasmanian giant freshwater crayfish Totally Explained

Everything about Astacopsis Gouldi totally explained

The Tasmanian giant freshwater crayfish (Astacopsis gouldi) is the largest freshwater invertebrate in the world. The species is 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 the favourite part of its diet. It isn't known if the animals are nourished by the wood, the bacteria, algae or invertebrates living in the rotting logs. They also eat leaves, fish and other meat including other lobsters. They are territorial.
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. The species is only found in Tasmanian rivers flowing north into the Bass Strait (with the exception of the Tamar) below 400 m above sea level. The specific epithet gouldi commemorates the Australian naturalist John Gould. A. gouldi is very long-lived, 40 years. Their main predators are humans, Platypus, River Blackfish and Rakali. It reproduces slowly, with the result that unregulated recreational fishing of this species has had a great impact on its abundance, and also explains why the largest individuals now found are smaller than previously. This species was listed as "vulnerable" under Australian law in 1995, and it's now illegal to catch A. gouldi without a permit, carrying a maximum fine of AU$10,000.

Interesting facts:

Males maintain a harem of several females
They can regrow lost limbs
Their blood is clear, turning blue on contact with oxygen
They moult in December/January and the hormone that prevents continuous moulting is found in their eyes
They can survive out of water for sometime if it isn't too hot or windy
Calcareous gastroliths can be used to determine the age of a deceased crayfish

Further Information

Get more info on 'Astacopsis Gouldi'.

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