Crayfish (Astacoidea spec.)

Invasive?

Orconectes limosus, the Spiny-cheek crayfish and its congeners Pacifastacus leniusculus, the Signal crayfish and Procambarus fallax, the Marbled crayfish all originate from North America and nowadays inhabit almost all flowing waters. They are carriers of the deadly fungus "crayfish plague", to which they themselves are resistant. Since the crayfish grow faster, reproduce more strongly and are much more aggressive, they are biologically superior to the native European crayfish Astacus astacus and displace it even without transmission of the crayfish plague. Since the signal crayfish is very similar to the noble crayfish, it has also been released by humans into various lakes.

Where?

The crayfish are quite shy, which is why you can often only spot dead animals or moulting carapaces. Being nocturnal animals, they like to stay hidden in their hiding places or among aquatic plants during the day. They are omnivores. Both crayfish prefer cool rivers, but can also cope with warmer still waters.

Appearance?