Revision of the Australian crustacean genus of freshwater crayfish Gramastacus Riek (Decapoda : Parastacidae)

Abstract

The Australian freshwater crayfish genus Gramastacus, previously consisting of two species known only from type localities, is revised utilising newly collected material ranging from The Grampians, Victoria, to the south-east, of South Australia. Morphological and biochemical studies demonstrate that Granzastacus is monotypic with G. insolitus Riek, 1972 the only species. Morphological comparisons between Granmstacus and Geocharax are also made, and although Gramastacus is similar to Geocharax, sufficient differences were found to uphold the generic status of Granlastacus. G. insolitus is a swamp-living species whose survival is threatened by further drainage of remaining known localities.