Common Yabby

The Common Yabby is a freshwater crayfish recognised by its sturdy claws and ability to burrow into muddy banks.

In the Northern Rivers, they inhabit creeks, rivers, and farm dams, where they dig burrows that provide shelter during dry periods.

They are opportunistic feeders, eating detritus, algae, and small invertebrates, and in turn are a food source for fish and birds.

While common and adaptable, their numbers are influenced by water quality, overharvesting, and the availability of permanent water. They are an important keystone species in freshwater ecosystems.

Glass Shrimp

Glass Shrimp are small, almost transparent crustaceans that blend seamlessly into their aquatic surroundings.

In the Northern Rivers, they live in vegetated creeks and rivers, where they graze on algae, detritus, and tiny microorganisms.

They play an important role in keeping waterways clean and form a crucial link in the food web as prey for fish and waterbirds.

Although hardy, they depend on healthy aquatic vegetation and unpolluted waters to maintain stable populations. They are a good indicator of good quality water and are an important keystone species in freshwater ecosystems.