Swamp Crayfish
Tenuibranchiurus glypticus
Identification: One of the world's smallest crayfish, being fully grown at 25 mm. Unlike other crayflish in South-east Queensland, fingers of claws open and close vertically rather than horizontally or obliquely. Body greyish-brown. Difficult to find due to small size, cryptic colouration and well-developed burrowing habits.
Habitat & range: Paperbark swamps and shallow drainage channels. Prefers to burrow into damp clay but is occasionally found in peaty sand. Habitat loss is probably a significant threat to the survival of this unique species. Woodgate, Qld, south to at least southern Brisbane area.
Potential threats: Originally recorded from Bulimba Creek, Mt Gravatt, but rarely found in the Brisbane city area since 1951. A recent genetic study has found that there are actually six Queensland species, each with narrow geographic restrictions. The true T. glypticus is confined to greater Brisbane, as far north as Bribie Island, Beerburrum and Mooloolaba.
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