Tasmanian giant freshwater crayfish (Astacopsis gouldi)

Name: Codi
Price range: $

The Tasmanian giant freshwater crayfish is the largest freshwater invertebrate on Earth, and can only be found in the cool, clear streams of northern Tasmania.

This unique species can live for up to 60 years and grow to the size of a small dog. Yet despite its size and longevity, the giant frewshwater crayfish is endangered, its populations diminished by illegal fishing, habitat loss, and climate change.

Tilde Bergstrom 2026 04 28 1606 — A crayfish being tagged and monitored by expert Todd Walsh. Photo: Tilde Bergstrom

Species Name

Tasmanian giant freshwater crayfish

Species Nicknames

Giant freshwater lobster

Species Scientific Name

Astacopsis gouldi

Species Family

Parastacidae

Species Description

The Tasmanian giant freshwater crayfish is the largest freshwater invertebrate in the world. They are a heavily built, spiny crayfish with large, distinct front pincers.

Species Size

Up to 80 cm in length and up to 6 kg in weight.

Species Identifying Characteristics

It's large size and often blueish colour.

Photo: Tilde Bergstrom

Species Interesting information

These animals can live for up to 80 years, making them among the longest-lived freshwater invertebrates on Earth.

Species Habitat

Cool, clean streams containing snags, pools and undercut banks, with native vegetation lining the banks.

Species Food

Diet consists predominantly of decaying wood, leaves and their associated microbes, supplemented by small fish, insects, and rotting animal matter when available.

Species Breeding/Reproduction

Mating and spawning occur in autumn, with eggs hatching the following summer and remaining attached to the female until May. Females breed only once every two years.

Species Distribution

This species is endemic to northern Tasmania.

Species Status
Endangered

Species Threats

Habitat loss and disturbance, sedimentation of waterways, modifications to water flow, illegal fishing, and climate change.

Species Resources