GIANT FRESHWATER CRAYFISH (Astacopsis gouldi)

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Description: Freshwater crayfish are lobster-like animals with powerful claws on their front legs. The giant freshwater crayfish is the world's largest known freshwater invertebrate. It lives in the mud and silt on the bottom of streams, rivers, and lakes in Tasmania and mainland Australia. Once abundant, their numbers have been reduced by fishing pressure and environmental pollution.

IUCN Status: Endangered
Major Threats: Fishing pressure and environmental pollution
Habitat: Mud and silt on bottoms of streams, rivers and lakes
Location: Tasmania and mainland Australia
Diet: Mainly decaying wood