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Story: Crabs, rock lobsters and other crustaceans

Red crayfish

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Red crayfish

Once common all around New Zealand, red rock lobster, also known as crayfish or kōura (Jasus edwardsii), have been heavily harvested since the 1950s, and their populations have been depleted in many places. Red rock lobsters hide in crevices and caves around reefs during the day and venture out at night to feed on shellfish, crabs, sea stars and kina (sea urchins)

Using this item

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10048342

by Paddy Ryan

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How to cite this page

Niel Bruce and Alison MacDiarmid, Crabs, rock lobsters and other crustaceans – Rock lobsters, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/8232/red-crayfish (accessed 14 June 2026).

Story by Niel Bruce and Alison MacDiarmid, published 2 March 2009.