Red swamp crawfish

Description:

A freshwater crayfish species, native to the Southeastern United States, but found also on other continents, where it is often an invasive pest.

Habitat:

P. clarkii is most commonly found in warm fresh water, such as slowly flowing rivers, marshes, reservoirs, irrigation systems and rice paddies. It is considered to be the most ecologically plastic species in the order Decapoda, and is able to grow quickly even in only seasonally present water, being able to tolerate dry spells of up to four months. P. clarkii grows quickly, and is capable of reaching weights in excess of 50 g, and sizes of 5.5–12 cm (2.2–4.7 in) long.[4] It is also able to tolerate slightly saline water, which is unusual for a crayfish. The average lifetime of Procambarus clarkii is five years. Some individuals have are known to have reached ages (in nature) over six years.