11005-12705 Southern freshwater crayfish, or koura (Paranephrops zealandicus 'south island southeast') blue crayfish are not uncommon in the deeper lakes around New Zealand. Blue koura survive because the colour spectrum of light shifts as it passes down through the water, and beyond a certain depth there is no effective visual difference in colour between a blue crayfish and a brown one *
11005-12505 Freshwater crab (Halicarcinus lacustris) tiny male (20cm). Our only freshwater crab, often found in holes and crevices in decomposing woody detritus along the edges of lakes and streams in northern NZ. Also occurs in freshwater at Norfolk Island, Lord Howe Island, and in Victoria, Australia *
11006-03209 Purple shore crab (Leptograpsus variegatus) found throughout the Southern Hemisphere. More abundant in the north of New Zealand. On rat-free offshore islands this crab will leave the intertidal zone, to enter forest and seek prey such as young seabirds and snails. Here a live flax snail (Placostylus hongii) is being dragged back down to the shore. Aorangi, Poor Knights Group *