Story: Crabs, crayfish and other crustaceans

Red crayfish releasing larvae

Female crayfish carry up to half a million fertilised eggs on the underside of their tails for 3 to 5 months. This video clip shows a female releasing a swarm of newly hatched larvae from her tail region into the water currents.

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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/video/8235/red-crayfish-releasing-larvae (accessed 27 April 2024)

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