Southern Rock Lobster

About

Commonly called crayfish or crays they are a well-known and popular species amongst recreation and commercial fishers and as such are subject to limited season for fishing and a license is required to take these from the wild.

The southern Rock Lobster is a species of spiny lobster and whilst they are named after and resemble lobsters they lack the large pincers that are characteristic of lobsters.

During the day they can be found hiding under rocks and in crevices whilst at night they are more active as they move about to feed.

Identification

They are red to orange in colour with a spiny carapace

Size

Can grow up to around 70cm long head to tail tip and can often exceed 8kg in underfished areas

Habitat

Rocky reefs to a depth of 200m

Distribution

Southern Australia and New Zealand

Gallery

Select any photo or video to view it large with its details and credits.

📷 Wild Roo Designs 📷 John Turnbull

Local Sightings

2 recorded sightings in and around the area.

References & citations (3)

1. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
2. Taylor, J. & Poore, G.C.B., 2011, Southern Rock Lobster, Jasus edwardsii, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
3. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2011 (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)