Red Swamp Crayfish

Procambarus clarkii

Description:

Red Decapod that resembles a lobster came right up to me then turned and went away. They breathe through feather-like gills. This species is one of the hardiest and tolerates polluted water such as the area I spotted this one. The video shows how it moves while out of water.

Habitat:

"Fresh" still-water creek from run-off along Lake Hodges trailhead

Notes:

This species was introduced from the southeastern US. It preys on our native newts :( This series shows it in and out of the water. Video shows it moving on land and water. Aka Red swamp crawfish, Louisiana crawfish, Louisiana crayfish or mudbug

Species ID Suggestions

13 Comments

CindyBinghamKeiser 11 years ago

Thank you LandmarkExpert. It's been a while but I'm guessing at least 4 inches long.

Caleb Steindel 11 years ago

great video! by the way, how big approx was it?

CindyBinghamKeiser 12 years ago

Thank you. Curious critters make excellent models :)

smutnee80 12 years ago

Amazing photos, and the video was fantastic.

CindyBinghamKeiser 12 years ago

You're very welcome! That's one of the great things about Project Noah! I've learned sooo much here :)

patty 12 years ago

Thank you very much for making that clear Cindy, and for sharing the spot; I have just learned what a crayfish is thanks to your spotting and comment (for me there were only crabs and lobsters); thank you! =)

CindyBinghamKeiser 12 years ago

Hi Patty, thank you! Lobsters do stay under water. Crayfish come out looking for food. The color of this species reminds me of a lobster though!

patty 12 years ago

Interesting spotting I always saw red lobsters deeply underwater; it is reasonable that they could walk outside too..The pictures and the video are great! Thank you =)

CindyBinghamKeiser 12 years ago

Thank all! They are amazing and I found this one rather social. Lobster definitely comes to mind :)

KarenP 12 years ago

Cindy, I love these crayfish. So bright red and different than the ones I was used to seeing in the midwest. After I spend time photographing them and watching them, I have a very strong instinct to eat lobster. Funny but true. Great video. Love it. Here's a link to my spotting. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/636...