Animal Crustaceans
Family: Cambaridae
Classification: Prohibited
Red swamp crayfish are
native to South central United States, where they are also grown commercially.
Because of the success of commercial aquaculture in its native range, the
red swamp crayfish has been introduced to many other areas. They are also
popular as a bait species for largemouth bass, which is thought to be the
most likely path of introduction into Washington. Adults of this species
are about 2.2 to 4.7 inches in length. Although most crayfish species are
herbivores, some studies indicate that the red swamp crayfish also eats insect
larvae, tadpoles, and snails. In California they preyed upon young California
newts.
The behavior most characteristic
of the red swamp crayfish is burrowing to find moisture, food, warmth, and
for protection during the molting process. The burrowing activity has damaged
levees, dams, and water control structures in some areas where they have
been introduced. In addition, Procambarus clarkii is an intermediate host
for many parasitic helminths of vertebrates, which may create new health
problems in areas where the species is successfully established.
Populations have
become established in California, Idaho and Oregon. In September of 2000, three
red swamp crayfish were captured during a routine survey. This was the first
official record of the species in Washington. They have now been found in other
lakes in King County. We do not know what the impacts of their introduction
will be. In most areas where populations have become established there have
been enough negative impacts that eradication efforts are being made. We wish
to stop any further introductions in Washington. People may capture prohibited
species, but must not place them back into the water, and must kill them before
they leave the area.
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