Euastacus sulcatus

Euastacus sulcatus, also known as the Lamington crayfish, is a freshwater crayfish, or "yabby", native to Australia. It is commonly bright blue in colour although also existing in a red and white, rusty red, brown, green, orange and completely white variations are found all around its known region.[2] They can be found roaming the forest floor when conditions are damp, usually after substantial rainfall. Actively searching for a mate, new territory or food. When threatened, it raises its front two powerful pincers and will readily pinch any potential predator. The spiny crayfish has zero native predators by the time it reaches full-size maturity, although since the introduction of feral animals such as foxes and cats, it has suffered from predation not evolved to defend itself against. Due it its magnificent coloration it has also been targeted as a aquarium pet or even winding up on barbecues. This species is listed as protected and is an offence to trap/remove or harm this species, with on-the-spot fines of up to $522.[3]

Euastacus sulcatus
Euastacus sulcatus in Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Red/White variant in Mount Barney National Park, Queensland, Australia.
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Suborder: Pleocyemata
Family: Parastacidae
Genus: Euastacus
Species:
E. sulcatus
Binomial name
Euastacus sulcatus
Riek, 1951

Distribution

Restricted to streams bordered by rainforest and sometimes wet eucalyptus forest at more than 300 m altitude. Inhabits mountains in a crescent from Mount Tamborine to Lamington Plateau, west along Macpherson Range and north via Cunningham's Gap into the Mistake Mountains, Queensland.

The Defensive position of a Spiny Lamington Crayfish (Underwater)

Habitat

The species occurs in streams and creeks at altitudes above 300 metres (980 ft) in rainforests.

References
  1. Furse, J.; Coughran, J. (2010). "Spiny Lamington Crayfish". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T153638A4524232. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T153638A4524232.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. Robert McCormack. "The amazing variations in colours of the Lamington Crayfish Euastacus sulcatus". The Australian Crayfish Project. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
  3. Tom Forbes. "Poachers target protected freshwater crayfish for BBQ hotplates and aquarium trade, locals say". ABC News. Retrieved April 13, 2019.


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