Introduced as fishing bait and aquarium pets across the United States.Įucarida (Eucarida (Crabs, Crayfish, Shrimp, etc. Rusty crayfish are large and aggressive, with adults reaching a body length of 7.5-13 cm (not including claws). Mostly decomposing organic matter (detritus), but also aquatic plants, animals (especially snails), and insects other aquatic crustaceans algae and fish eggs. Juveniles have a higher metabolic rate, eat twice as much, and develop much faster than native crayfish species of similar size.Īquatic invertebrates and fish eggs at the bottom on the water body They are extremely aggressive, out-competing and eliminating other crayfish species when introduced into a new site.īreeding takes place in September and October. Shallow water in permanent streams, ponds, and lakes with rocks or logs for cover The gap on the claws when closed is oval. The movable finger (dactylus) on the claw has an S-shaped margin. They are larger and more robust than those of any other Orconectes species. The long spike-like extension of the carapace that projects forward between the eyes (rostrum) has slightly concave sides. The rust-colored markings may not be present on any individuals in some locations. Has larger, more robust claws than native crayfish species. Spot size and darkness is highly variable across individuals. Rusty, red-colored spots are present on either side of carapace. Faxonius rusticus )) has a light to dark brown body. There is usually a rust-colored, thumbprint-like mark on each side of the carapace, and a rust-colored stripe on the upper (dorsal) side of the abdomen. Rusty crayfish ( Orconectes rusticus (syn. They may be greenish-gray, reddish-brown, or tan. The legs, abdomen, and shield (carapace) covering the front part of the body (cephalothorax) are variable in color. They live three or four years and continue to grow, molting at least twice a year, eventually reaching up to 4 ″ in length not including the claws. It is considered invasive outside of its native range.Īdults are about 1 ¾ ″ long when the reach maturity at one year of age. There are large populations in many states, including Minnesota. It is now found from Manitoba to Quebec in the north to Tennessee and North Carolina in the south, with disjunct populations in New Mexico and Oregon. It has been introduced across the United States as unused bait and released aquarium pets. It is used extensively by fishermen as bait, and is sold as an aquarium pet. It is native to Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky. Rusty crayfish is a medium- to large-sized freshwater crustacean.
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