Lamington Spiny Crayfish
Euastacus sulcatus
Identification: Adult length 100-130 mm. Large and with a prominent spiny tail; outer edge of claw armed with a series of spines; inner edge of wrist of claw also has two prominent spines; moveable finger of claw has 1-4 spines at base.
Colour varies with location: Lamington and Springbrook crayfish are vibrant blue or blue-green contrasting with white; northern NSW animals are red and white; western populations are green-brown with less contrast.
Habitat & range: Restricted to streams bordered by rainforest, and sometimes wet eucalypt forest, at more than 300 m altitude. Inhabits mountains in a cresent from Mount Tamborine to Lamington Plateau, west along Macpherson Range, and north via Cunningham's Gap into the Mistake Mountains, Queensland.
Notes: Often found walking on rainforest tracks after rain. If encountered, can be very aggressive, waving its claws back over its head and hissing audibly. Can deliver a painful nip if handled.
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