Pacifastacus leniusculus
• The only species of Crayfish known from the Fraser Valley
• A problematic introduced species in Europe, Japan and California
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Decapoda |
| Family: | Astacidae |
Identification Tips:
• Looks like a small Lobster
• Up to 20 cm long, but most adults are 10-15 cm
• 10 legs on thorax
• White to blue patch at claw hinge (Like the white flags of a 'signal' person directing trains)
• Claws may be missing or different sizes
Life History:
• Female lays 200-400 eggs in the autumn; carries them under her tail until they hatch in spring
• Newly hatched juveniles cling to mother or several weeks
• Omnivorous; eats detritus on bottom
• May live up to 20 years
• Most abundant on rocky bottoms
| POLLUTION TOLERANCE | ||||
| Very Sensitive | Somewhat Sensitive | Facultative | Somewhat Tolerant | Very Tolerant |
| Most | ||||
| Pollution Indicator | Highly sensitive to pollution from metals, insecticides, herbicides and lampricides |
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Primary Information Source:
Voshell, J. Reese. 2002. A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America. McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company. Blacksburg, Virginia.
