Story: Crabs, crayfish and other crustaceans

Red crayfish

Red crayfish

Once common all around New Zealand, red crayfish or kōura (Jasus edwardsii) have been heavily harvested since the 1950s, and their populations have been depleted in many places. Red crayfish 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
Photograph by Paddy Ryan

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How to cite this page:

Niel Bruce and Alison MacDiarmid, 'Crabs, crayfish and other crustaceans - Crayfish', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/8232/red-crayfish (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Niel Bruce and Alison MacDiarmid, published 12 Jun 2006