Paranephrops planifrons

Paranephrops planifrons or northern kōura is a species of southern crayfish in the family Parastacidae. It is found in New Zealand. P. planifrons is one of two indigenous species of freshwater crayfish found in New Zealand. They are more commonly found in the North Island and the West Coast of the South Island while the P. zealandicus is found in the east and south of the South Island. Both species of Paranephrops are important resources to the indigenous Māori, particularly in the Te Arawa and Lake Taupō regions.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature's conservation status of P. planifrons is "LC", least concern, with no immediate threat to the species' survival.

Names

Paranephrops planifrons is commonly known as the northern crayfish or northern kōura in New [Zealand English|English], though its more specific name is the North Island freshwater crayfish. In the indigenous Māori language, it has several names: karawai, kēkēwai, kēwai koeke and kōura.

Description

Paranephrops planifrons is smaller than the southern kōura, Paranephrops zealandicus, and has front claws that are less hairy.