Giant Freshwater Crayfish
This is the largest freshwater crayfish in the world, and is found only in rivers in the north of Tasmania.
Mature adults are capable of reaching 6 kg in weight, although 2-3 kg animals are now considered large.
The species originally occurred in all northern rivers flowing into Bass Strait except those of the Tamar River catchment, but now has a much more fragmented distribution. Giant Freshwater Crayfish live in streams containing snags, pools and undercut banks, and with native vegetation along the banks. The species is very slow growing, slow to colonise new areas, has low breeding potential, and is easily caught. These characteristics combined with many years of overfishing and loss of habitat have led to a significant decline in this species. Illegal fishing for the Giant Freshwater Crayfish and continuing loss of healthy stream habitat continue to threaten the species.