Common koonac facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Koonac |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Subphylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Superfamily: | |
| Family: |
Parastacidae
|
| Genus: |
Cherax
|
| Species: |
C. preissii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Cherax preissii Erichson, 1846
|
|
The common koonac (Cherax preissii) is a type of freshwater crustacean. It lives in Western Australia. It belongs to the Parastacidae family.
The name "koonac" is also used for another similar creature. This is the "glossy koonac" (C. glaber). The glossy koonac lives in a much smaller area of Western Australia.
Contents
Meet the Koonac: Western Australia's Cool Crayfish
Koonacs are fascinating freshwater creatures. They are a type of crayfish found only in Western Australia. They can grow quite large, up to 20 centimeters long. That's about the length of a standard pencil!
What Does a Koonac Look Like?
Koonacs come in different colors. You might see them as black and red, dark brown, or even bluish-black. They have strong, broad claws with jagged edges. Their heads have four ridges, called keels. Two of these keels are very easy to see.
Where Do Koonacs Live?
Koonacs are special because they are endemic to Western Australia. This means they are found nowhere else in the world! They live in the southwest part of the state. You can find them in wetlands, rivers, and even farm dams. They live in places where water stays all year or just for part of the year.
How Do Koonacs Survive Dry Times?
Koonacs are very clever at surviving. When their homes dry up, they dig burrows. These burrows can keep them safe for several months. It's like having an underground hideout until the water returns!
Protecting Koonacs: What You Should Know
The good news is that koonacs are not currently in great danger. Experts rate them as "least concern" on the IUCN Red List. This list tracks how threatened different species are.
However, some local groups of koonacs might face problems. This is because of other crayfish called yabbies. These yabbies, like the Cherax destructor and Cherax albidus, were brought from eastern Australia. They compete with koonacs for food and places to live.
Fishing for Koonacs: Rules and Tips
People can fish for koonacs in Western Australia. There are no specific seasons when you can or cannot catch them.
However, there are strict rules for fishing for another type of crayfish called marron. Marron fishing has specific seasons and equipment rules. If you are fishing for koonacs in an area where marron also live, you must follow the marron rules. This means some traps or equipment might be illegal to use. Always check the local fishing rules before you go!
