It was first described in 1865 as Astacoides spinifer by Camill Heller,[2][3] but has been redescribed many times.[2] The argument[4] for the synonymy of the various names has been accepted.[2]
Appearance
Morphological variation is observed in Euastacus spinifer that originate in different river systems. They are mostly green with reddish-brown joints and bright spines.[5]
Diet
Detritus forms the staple diet of the species but they may also eat small invertebrates and tadpoles.[5] They are also cannibalistic. They are also believed to be opportunistic omnivores.[6]
Life cycle
Mating takes place in winter when temperature drops to as low as 15 °C (59 °F), and eggs are laid in early July. Eggs are carried in the female Pleopods and hatch after an incubation period of 110–140 days. Hatch-lings stay with their parents until early summer. Males mature in 5–6 years and grow to 11 centimetres (4 in) on maturity while females take about 8 years and grow to lengths above 14 centimetres (6 in). There is a class of "precious males" that mature at 4 centimetres (2 in) length. There are slight variations in reproduction cycle between species in different river systems.[7]
Size
Euastacus spinifer may grow up to 24 centimetres (9 in).[5] Largest recorded weight is 1.8 kilograms (4.0 lb).[8]
Distribution
They are endemic to Australia. They may be found from near sea level to as high as 1,200 metres (3,900 ft). They are distributed over a range of 55,000 square kilometres (21,000 sq mi).[1]
Habitat
Creeks and estuaries are their usual habitats. Their habitats are usually shaded by vegetation.[9]
Moulting
Moulting frequency of individuals in the species differs with size: smaller individuals moult up to six times a year while larger individuals moult only once a year. Different sizes moult at different seasons with temperature believed to be the regulating force.[10]
^Camill Heller (1865). "Crustaceen". Reise der österreichischen Fregatte Novara um die Erde in den Jahren 1857, 1858, 1859 unter den Befehlen des Commodore B. von Wüllerstorf-Urbair (in German). WikidataQ126943020.
