Crayfish

Common Family Name

Lobsters

Alias

Crayfish

Scientific Name

Nephropidae

Size

Up to 60 cm, average 30 cm.

Identification

Hard protective exoskeleton. Five pairs of legs, some with claws. Long antennae. Carapace (fused plates covering the thorax) usually has a rough look, some with sharp spikes. Colouration differs, including black, brown, blue, yellow, pink, orange and green.

General Info

The nephropidae family consists of 11 genera and 24 species. Found on rocky or sandy areas, from reefs to the continental shelf. Lobsters moult in order to grow. Have very poor sight. When disturbed, they will flee by curling and uncurling their abdomen. Females store sperm in their abdomen and use it as required. Eggs are kept under the abdomen until hatching, which is 10-11 months.

Feeding

Feeds on fish, molluscs, other crustaceans, worms and some plants. Are also scavengers.

Distribution

Occurs in oceans around the world.

Common Species

Long-legged spiny lobster - Panulirus longipes
Ornate spiny lobster - Palaemon adspersus
Painter rock lobster - Panulirus versicolor