Correcting misconceptions about the names applied to Tasmania’s giant freshwater crayfish Astacopsis gouldi (Decapoda: Parastacidae)

Abstract

Tasmania is home to around 35 species of freshwater crayfish, all but three of which are endemic. Among the endemic freshwater crayfish, there are three large stream-dwelling species: the Giant Freshwater Crayfish, Astacopsis gouldi – the world’s largest freshwater invertebrate, the medium-sized A. tricornis and smaller A. franklinii. Errors and confusion surrounding the appropriate Aboriginal names for these species, and the origin and history of the scientifc name of Astacopsis gouldi are outlined.