Story: Life in fresh water

Freshwater crayfish

Freshwater crayfish

Known as kōura, these small freshwater crayfish (Paranephrops planifrons) are found in the North Island and the north-west South Island. A second species (Paranephrops zealandicus) occurs in the south-east of the South Island, and Stewart Island. Māori considered them a delicacy. Living in lakes and streams, kōura are nocturnal, omnivorous scavengers. They are typically 80–120 millimetres long.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10045580
Photograph by J. L. Kendrick

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How to cite this page:

Roger Young, 'Life in fresh water - Invertebrates', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/11637/freshwater-crayfish (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Roger Young, published 24 Sep 2007