Paranephrops - Southern Koura

Southern Koura

The Southern koura, Paranephrops zealandicus, is found only in the east and south of the South Island, and on Stewart Island/Rakiura. They reach lengths of about 80 millimetres (3.1 in). Koura occupy freshwater streams, lakes, rivers and swamps. Koura use their 4 pairs of walking legs to move through their environment and when alarmed can flick their tail forwards violently to propel themselves backwards at speed in order to avoid any threat. The koura's first pair of legs (chelae) are pincers that are used for scavenging, food and warding off predators or other koura.