red swamp crayfish
(Procambarus clarkii)
This species is Native and Introduced across its range in the United States
Origin
Procambarus clarkii is native to the southeastern states surrounding the Gulf of Mexico.
Life Cycle
Red swamp crayfish inhabit a variety of waterbodies – everything from rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes, and streams to manmade systems like agricultural fields, irrigation channels, and reservoirs. They are ecosystem engineers that construct burrows in mud and sand. As opportunistic omnivores, they feed on plant material, animals, detritus, and sediment. During the fall breeding season, females can produce up to 500 eggs that will only take a few months to hatch. Juveniles are gray while fully grown adults range from red to brown and measure 4 to 6 inches long.
Distribution
Red swamp crayfish have been introduced throughout the United States They have been introduced to watersheds throughout the United States including Alaska and Hawaii, often via aquaculture and aquarium trade releases. In California, they have been observed throughout the state.
Control Efforts
Red swamp crayfish are considered established in California and may be taken with a sport fishing license. While they are not a restricted species, it is unlawful to release of red swamp crayfish and all other fish, animals, or plants, in the waters of the State without a permit (Fish and Game Code §6400.
Procambarus clarkii is native to the southeastern states surrounding the Gulf of Mexico.
Life Cycle
Red swamp crayfish inhabit a variety of waterbodies – everything from rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes, and streams to manmade systems like agricultural fields, irrigation channels, and reservoirs. They are ecosystem engineers that construct burrows in mud and sand. As opportunistic omnivores, they feed on plant material, animals, detritus, and sediment. During the fall breeding season, females can produce up to 500 eggs that will only take a few months to hatch. Juveniles are gray while fully grown adults range from red to brown and measure 4 to 6 inches long.
Distribution
Red swamp crayfish have been introduced throughout the United States They have been introduced to watersheds throughout the United States including Alaska and Hawaii, often via aquaculture and aquarium trade releases. In California, they have been observed throughout the state.
Control Efforts
Red swamp crayfish are considered established in California and may be taken with a sport fishing license. While they are not a restricted species, it is unlawful to release of red swamp crayfish and all other fish, animals, or plants, in the waters of the State without a permit (Fish and Game Code §6400.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
- Florida Conditional and Prohibited Non-Native Species Lists
- Maryland Aquatic Nuisance Species Plan
- Maryland Invasive Species Council - Invasive Species of Concern in Maryland
- Michigan’s Invasive Species Watch List
- Michigan’s Prohibited and Restricted Species
- Mid-Atlantic Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species
- Minnesota DNR invasive species list
- New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team 2017 Invasive Species List
- Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program Tracked Species List
- Pennsylvania's Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: Crustacea |
| Class: Malacostraca |
| Order: Decapoda |
| Family: Cambaridae |
| Subfamily: Cambarinae |
| Genus: Procambarus |
| Procambarus clarkii |
Other System Links
NPDN Pest: IIFAAMA
References
Common Name Reference: Bosik, J. J. Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms 1997. Lanham, MD: Entomological Society of America (ESA), 1997. 232 pp.
Scientific Name Reference: Bosik, J. J. Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms 1997. Lanham, MD: Entomological Society of America (ESA), 1997. 232 pp.