in Australasia spiny lobsters are usually called crayfish (sometimes rock lobsters, but crayfish is most common).
So in NZ you've got crayfish (spiny lobsters) in the sea, and freshwater crayfish or koura in the rivers and lakes. The Maori name koura covers both marine and freshwater types (hence Kaikoura) but when used in general English just refers to the freshwater ones.
In Australia the freshwater species are usually called yabbies or (in WA) marron, although some species are always called freshwater crayfish.
in Australasia spiny lobsters are usually called crayfish (sometimes rock lobsters, but crayfish is most common).
So in NZ you've got crayfish (spiny lobsters) in the sea, and freshwater crayfish or koura in the rivers and lakes. The Maori name koura covers both marine and freshwater types (hence Kaikoura) but when used in general English just refers to the freshwater ones.
In Australia the freshwater species are usually called yabbies or (in WA) marron, although some species are always called freshwater crayfish.
Thanks! I was familiar with rock lobsters, yabbies, marron and (freshwater) crayfish but had no idea that the term 'crayfish' was so versatile, or of the significance of koura.
