Some aspects of the ecology of Paratya australiensis (Crustacea : Decapoda : Atyidae)

Abstract

Three Australian species of Paratya have been described. However, only one, P. australiensis, can be accepted. It occurs in Australia in a broad south-eastern arc, and in a wide variety of permanent inland waters (coastal streams, rivers, lakes, farm dams and ponds). In these it favours vegetated areas. Young hatch as free-floating larvae and hatching occurs mainly in early summer in southern Victoria. Females breed in their second summer. In south-eastern Australia, at least, this breeding season appears adapted to the hydrological regime of running waters.