Newly Discovered Crayfish Practices Cannibalism

A tiny crustacean makes its debut as one of the world's smallest crayfish species.

Discovered off the southeast coastal lakes and swamps of Australia, this tiny, blue-black sea creature resembles a much, much smaller version of a lobster, weighing in at 0.2 ounces and 0.5 to 0.7 inches long. 

Both sexes of the species have long claws called chelae and are known to wave them in fear of nearby predators, according to NBC News. 

The freshwater species known as Grmastacus lacus, also named after its favorite habitat in ephemeral waterways, including Wamberal Lagoon, Myall Lake and Wallis Lake, uses its giant claws to huddle forward in water and on land. This cannibal can also burrow up to 3 feet deep. 

However, Robert McCormak, a lead biologist with the Australian Crayfish Project, notes that the creature has a particularly peculiar walk that creates movement via a series of rhythmic plunges in which the claws help propel the upper body forward.

"This up and forward movement is unusual, but the crayfish easily moves up, forward and down without missing a beat," McCormack added, via the news organization.

Due to rapid development in the coastal habitat where these crustaceans live, the new species is potentially endangered.

However,  a large number of national parks and reserves near the area are providing safe havens for lingering and scattered populations.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal ZooKeys.