Koura are a native freshwater crayfish that grow to around 7 cms. They live in small streams, rivers lakes and even small ponds. Due to their colour they are very hard to see as they tend to back into small spaces often with only their eyes and feelers visible. They are scavengers and feed mostly at night. Despite their hard shell they are a favourite with trout. Trout that have a rich diet of Koura usually have a beautiful pink or orange flesh and make for excellent eating.

Imitating the Koura

While the Koura have legs and use these to move around searching for food, when disturbed they will flee at great speed backwards using their strong tail for propulsion. Consequently many flies are tied to imitate this backwards fleeing movement.