On 1 July 2025, NIWA merged with GNS Science to become Earth Sciences New Zealand.

Lithodes aotearoa

DTIS/ RENEWZ I – NEW ZEEPS 2006
This species is the largest species of king crab in New Zealand waters, attaining a leg span of at least 1.3 m. The worldwide largest king crab is Paralithodes camtschaticus from the northern polar seas, that can grow to 1.8 m.