Southern Rock Lobsters

Commonly known as a “crayfish” or just “crays”, Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) are a species of spiny lobster native to the Great Southern Reef and New Zealand. These crustaceans have long spines projecting forward from the front of the head but unlike “traditional” lobsters, do not possess the large pincers on their first pair of walking legs. Living in the cold, nutrient rich waters of the Great Southern Reef, Southern Rock Lobster require reef habitat with an abundance of kelp and crevices to call home. The colour of their carapace varies slightly depending on where they decide to set up home. In shallower waters, they tend to have a striking redd-ish purple hue, while those in deeper water have a stronger purple tone that fades into a creamy yellow colour. Feeding mostly at night, these omnivores tend to eat bottom dwelling invertebrates like mussels and abalone, other smaller crustaceans, sea urchins, worms and algae. During the day they will hole up in deep crevices along the reef and as adults do not stray far from their home region as they are not only tasty to humans, but also other predators like sharks, octopuses and large fish species like morwong, wrasse and ling. Known for its delicious sweet, delicate white flesh, crayfish are an important commodity for wild fisheries and locals alike during cray season. An important asset to the economy in Australia, the aquaculture industry has been researching how to sustainably farm these spiny lobsters for years as they have extremely high commercial value.