Project:  100002

A Newly Discovered Species of freshwater crayfish Genus Euastacus

(Decapodia: Parastacidae)

from Central Eastern New South Wales, Australia

Research Brief

Aims

The aim of this project is to name and describe a new species of freshwater crayfish from central eastern NSW.  First discovered in 2005 as part of the Australian Crayfish Project's biological surveys being conducted in NSW.  Samples sent to Deakin University at Warrnambool were DNA tested by Professor Chris Austin who is one of Australia’s foremost experts on freshwater crayfish and was assisting in the identification of freshwater crayfish for the Australian Crayfish Project.  DNA test results were unusual in that they showed no close relationship to E .reductus and E. mirangudjin as expected but a close relationship to E. valentulus/sulcatus, E .gumar and E. dangadi.  Confirmation of this being a new species has now led to this description.

Outline

The MS paper is a joint works between Robert B McCormack- Australian Aquatic Biological & Dr Shane Ahyong - National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research, New Zealand.

Abstract

This new species of Freshwater Crayfish genus Euastacus, Euastacus sp , is described from the Barrington Ranges, Central Eastern, New South Wales Australia. This species most closely resembles E.reductus Riek 1969 and E. mirangudjin Coughran 2002. It is similar in shape to E. reductus but different in colour, similar in colour to E. mirangudjin but different in morphology.  However, DNA testing indicates its closest relatives are E. valentulus/sulcatus, E.gumar and E.dangadi.  This species has only been recorded from one small area in Chichester State Forest, near Mount Wangat NSW.

Status

MS paper currently in preparation

For Further Information

Refer Project No.:100002

Robert B McCormack

Managing Director/Researcher

Australian Aquatic Biological Pty Limited

Phone/Fax:  02 4997 5160

Email:  aabio@skymesh.com.au