Nephrops Norvegicus

Norway lobster
Dublin Bay prawn

Nephrops norvegicus, known variously as the Norway lobster, Dublin Bay prawn, langoustine (compare langostino) or scampi, is a slim, orange-pink lobster which grows up to 25 cm (10 in) long, and is "the most important commercial crustacean in Europe". It is now the only extant species in the genus Nephrops, after several other species were moved to the closely related genus Metanephrops. It lives in the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean, and parts of the Mediterranean Sea, but is absent from the Baltic Sea and Black Sea. Adults emerge from their burrows at night to feed on worms and fish.

Dublin Bay prawn

Euastacus Morgani

Euastacus Morgani

Euastacus Morgani

 Kingdom:     Animalia
Phylum:     Arthropoda
Subphylum:     Crustacea
Class:     Malacostraca
Order:     Decapoda
Family:     Parastacidae
Genus:     Euastacus
Species:   Euastacus Morgani


 Euastacus morgani sp. n. is known only from the type locality, a highland (~600 m a.s.l.), rainforest site at the northern margin of Bindarri National Park, in a tributary to the Little Nymboida River (Figure 3). Two comparatively widespread species of Euastacus occur in the area, including a site in Little Nymboida River proximal to the type locality, Euastacus dangadi Morgan, 1997 and Euastacus neohirsutus Riek, 1956. We have surveyed numerous sites in the area, but our efforts yielded only these two more common species.

The species constructs a more or less horizontal burrow entrance from the water’s edge back into the stream banks. The specimens were collected by probing these bank burrow systems by hand until the crayfish attempted to exit via another entrance hole, typically located 1–2 m further back from the creek on the adjacent forest floor. The successful sampling was undertaken at night.

Although the precise locality is uncertain, Gary Morgan collected juvenile Euastacus specimens at a nearby site (‘Brimbin Creek’, near Lowanna) that were too small for taxonomic determination, although they appeared to be different to all local species (Morgan 1983). Morgan (1983) collected these specimens in sympatry with Euastacus neohirsutus, and observed differences to that species on the following taxonomic features: larger rostral carinae; larger antennal basipodite spine; better developed ventral lateral propodal spine row of the cheliped; lacking dorsal apical propodal spines; lacking spines above the cutting edge of the propodus. All of these characters are also true of Euastacus morgani, and thus it is likely that the small specimens observed by Gary Morgan were juveniles of this new species.

Euastacus morgani appears most similar in morphology to Euastacus simplex Riek, 1956. It can be distinguished among other characters by having: 3 instead of 2 mesial carpal spines on the cheliped; no spines above the propodal cutting edge of the cheliped; medium instead of barely discernible or small suborbital spines; poor development of the ventral lateral propodal spine row; a proportionally shorter interantennal scale; and a proportionally shorter exopodite and more pointed anterior terminus to the ischium of the third maxilliped. Systematically, the species thus fits within the ‘simplex’ complex (Morgan 1997), which includes Euastacus simplex, Euastacus clarkae Morgan, 1997, Euastacus maccai McCormack and Coughran, 2008, and Euastacus morgani. A key is provided below to distinguish Euastacus morgani from other species in the ‘simplex’ complex.

The description of Euastacus morgani increases the number of described species in this charismatic genus to 50 (Table 1). There are further taxa still awaiting formal description, and large areas of potentially suitable habitat that have yet to be surveyed. Unfortunately, 80% of Euastacus are considered to be threatened (Coughran and Furse 2010; Furse and Coughran in press a, b, c; IUCN 2010), and there is thus a sense of urgency for continued field surveys and taxonomic work on this genus. It would appear that Euastacus morgani has a severely restricted, highland distribution, and may be susceptible to similar threats facing other species in the genus, particularly those relating to over-collection, exotic species and climate change (Furse and Coughran in press a, b, c). Further research into its ecology is warranted.

Euastacus morgani sp. n. Dorsal view of body A and cheliped B, holotype specimen, AM P.84263. Dorsal view of antennal squame C, lateral view of third maxilliped D and ventral view of left hand side of cephalon showing interantennal scale E, specimen ACP 1103. Scale bars = 5 mm.

The maximum size of specimens collected was 39.9 mm OCL.

Description.

Rostrum. Rostrum short, usually reaching base of third antennal segment (occasionally not quite reaching base, and rarely extending as far as midlength of segment). Rostral sides slightly convergent to convergent, rostral bases divergent. Rostrum with 3 or 4 small marginal spines, extending to approximately rostral midlength, or beyond. Acumen similar in size to marginal spines. OCL/Carapace Length: 0.83–0.89. Rostrum Width/OCL: 0.16–0.19.

Cephalon. Numerous bumps and protrusions in cephalic region, with 1 (occasionally 2) on each side developed into more prominent, but small and blunt cephalic spine. First post-orbital ridge spine distinct but small. Second post-orbital ridge spine barely discernible to small; posterior to spine each ridge poorly developed initially, with large and swollen bump at posterior end. Suborbital spine medium in size, and acute.

Antenna. Basipodite spines small to medium. Coxopodite without distinct spines but with large, rounded development of coxopodal plate at mesial end. Interantennal spine of medium width and usually with slightly scalloped margins. Antennal squame lacking marginal spines, with near triangular inflation at midlength. Scale Length/OCL: 0.09–0.12.

Thorax. Thorax with 1–3 barely discernible to small cervical spines on each side, flattened and triangular in shape with moderate to sharp point. Dorsal thoracic spines present and numbering 10–20 on each side. Dorsal thoracic spines very small to small but distinct, and larger than general tubercles; spines highlighted against the carapace by profile (raised, but blunt) and/or colour (yellow-brown, grey-brown, grey or blue-grey). General tubercles small to medium in size (very small on specimens <25 mm OCL), and of moderate density. Areola Length/OCL: 0.35–0.39. Areola Width/OCL: 0.16–0.21. Carapace Width/OCL: 0.53–0.62. Carapace Depth/OCL: 0.44–0.50.

Sternal Keel. Lateral processes to first pereiopods (LPr1) slightly apart, slightly open to open in orientation, and with semi-abrupt posterior margins. LPr2 apart and with slightly open to open orientation. LPr3 narrow, and LPr4 of medium width. LPr2 to LPr4 all with distinctive, sharply defined margins, and sternal keel between both LPr2–LPr3 and LPr3–LPr4 entire and sharply developed.

Abdomen. Abdominal somite 1 lacking spines. Somite 2 with 3–5 tiny to small, moderately sharp to sharp Li spines. Somites 3–6 with 1 Li spine, decreasing in size posteriorly to be barely discernible on somite 6 (absent on some specimens <25 mm OCL). Frequently 1 or 2 small Lii spines on somites 3–6 of specimens > 20 mm OCL. Abdominal D-L spines present on somites 2–3 of one specimen, and on somites 2–6 of the largest specimen. Abdominal D spines also present on somites 2–3 of these two specimens only. Abdomen Width/OCL: 0.48–0.54 (male), 0.50–0.55 (female). OCL/Total Length: 0.39–0.43.

Tailfan. Standard tailfan spines small. Telson and uropods lacking surface and marginal spines. Telson Length/OCL: 0.33–0.37.

First Cheliped. Chelae usually intermediate in shape, occasionally elongate or stout.

Propodus. Dorsal lateral propodal spine row extending from apex to base of propodus. Ventral lateral propodal spine row less developed, with 1–6 (usually 4 or 5) more or less centrally located spines. Numerous bumps and protrusions lateral to dactylar base dorsally, of which 1 or 2 are usually distinctly larger. Bumps and protrusions also present on ventral surface of propodus lateral to dactylar base, often including 1–4 more prominently developed spines extending along propodal finger. Propodus with 5–7 mesial spines. Dorsal apical propodal spines absent. Two blunt spines at dactylar articulation. Propodal surface posterior to dactylar articulation lacking spines, with 2 or 3 distinctly deep punctuations. Pre-carpal area lacking spines, with occasional distinct punctuations. Spines above propodal cutting edge absent on both dorsal and ventral surfaces (2 barely discernible apical spines on dorsal surface of one specimen ACP1099). Prominent tooth near dactylar articulation. Propodus Length/OCL: 0.81–0.90 (male), 0.80–0.94 (female). Propodus Width/PropL:0.46–0.50. Propodus Depth/Propodus Length: 0.26–0.31.

Dactylus. Usually 1 or 2 barely discernible to small apical spines above dactylar cutting edge (absent on one specimen). Spines above cutting edge absent on ventral surface. Dactylus with 1 apical mesial spine and 1 dorsal mesial basal spine. All other dactylar spines absent (one regenerate chela with a small marginal dactylar basal spine). Dactylar groove distinct. Dactylus Length/Propodus Length: 0.55–0.61.

Carpus. Carpus with 3 mesial spines, decreasing in size posteriorly; generally produced to sharp point. Lateral margin of carpus with 2 spines. Ventral surface of carpus with large, sharp ventral spine and 1 or 2 tiny to medium, blunt ventromesial spines. Dorsal surface with deep groove; bearing 1–3 large, bluish-green, blunt bumps or spines (occasionally merging to effectively form raised ridge or boss) on dorsal surface mesial to groove.

Merus. Merus with 6 or 7 small to medium dorsal spines, and a barely discernible or small distolateral spine.

Third Maxilliped. Laterodistal corner of ischium produced to a distinct point. Exopodite shorter than or about as long as ischium (average 0.93 × ischium length).

Gastric Mill. Gastric mills were carefully extracted and examined for three specimens ranging in size from 29.94 to 39.87 mm OCL. Zygocardiac ossicle with 1.0–1.5 teeth anterior to ossicle ear (TAA), and 4.0–4.5 teeth anterior to posterior margin of ear (TAP), with tooth spread of 2.5–3.0. Urocardiac ossicle with 6 or 7 ridges.

Setation and Punctation. Setae sparse and short. Sparse to moderate and fine punctation on body. Chelae with occasional deep punctuations.

Colouration. Dorsally brown or green-brown with pale cream cephalic and cervical spines. Thoracic spines usually distinct from thorax background, and varying in colour (cream, grey, grey-brown or blue-grey). Abdominal somites marked heavily with blue laterally, with cream Li spines. First chelae mesially blue, with cream-tipped mesial propodal spines. Dorsal carpal bumps blue (often forming a raised, blue ridge). Walking legs blue-grey. Lateral propodal spines cream. Ventrally, a varying wash of pale blue-green, pink and orange, with a dull grey abdomen and tailfan. Merus of first cheliped and antennal bases vivid orange.
Sexes.

Males with cuticle partition. Female specimens without fully mature gonopores. All female specimens have calcified gonopores that lack marginal setation. Gonopores of four largest female specimens (29.9–39.9 mm OCL) with slightly incised rims, those of largest specimen appear to be in state of decalcification, being partially membranous on mesial margins. Thus, it would seem that female maturity occurs close to 40 mm OCL.
Etymology.

Named to honour Gary J. Morgan, whose landmark research on the Australian spiny crayfish genus Euastacus (Morgan 1983, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1997) has been pivotal to our understanding of these animals.

Euastacus Bindal

Euastacus Bindal,  Female 27 gram, 35.93 mm

Euastacus Bindal


 Kingdom:     Animalia
Phylum:     Arthropoda
Subphylum:     Crustacea
Class:     Malacostraca
Order:     Decapoda
Family:     Parastacidae
Genus:     Euastacus
Species:   Euastacus Bindal

Native:

Australia (Queensland)

This species is endemic to Australia and known only from the type locality, near the peak of Mount Elliot in Queensland (J. M. Furse and J. Coughran pers. comm. 2008). There is no other suitable habitat within 250 km (Morgan 1989). The extent of occurrence for this species is less than 10 km² (J. M. Furse and J. Coughran pers. comm. 2008); area of occupancy is almost certainly less than the extent of occurrence. It is only known from a single location (J. M. Furse and J. Coughran pers. comm. 2008). 

Euastacus bindal is a rare and little known freshwater crayfish from remote, difficult to access streams of the Mt Elliot mountain group near Townsville, Queensland. Recent biological surveys of the Mt Elliot region, as part of the Australian Crayfish Project has found new information on Euastacus bindal with regard to its colouration, biology, abundance, distribution and conservation status.

This species inhabits cool, clear, fast-flowing waters in areas of tropical rainforest (Morgan 1989), and is known from a single isolated pocket of rainforest at approximately 1,000 m above sea level on Mount Elliot (Morgan 1989).

The slow growth rate and low fecundity of many Euastacus renders them less resilient to reduction in population numbers through habitat destruction and catastrophic events (Van Praagh 2003).

Procambarus Vasquezae

Procambarus Vasquezae

Crayfish Name: Procambarus Vasquezae

Origin: Mexico

Description: When fully mature the male averages 7cm and the female 6cm. s crayfish species is a little shy, and would not hurt a fly. They do not attach other tank inhabitants nor do they feast on plants. They are omnivorous and are ideal for community tanks. Their young have a pearl bluish appearance. When mature this blue color fades and instead they will have a dark brown color.

Water Parameters: Are tolerant to different water parameters. Regular water changes would ensure a healthier and stronger cancer.

Sexing: The females have a broader tale and the males have bigger/ longer pincers including a gonopod.

Breeding: If the water parameters are favorable and there are good numbers of both sexes then nature will take its course.

Compatibility: They are not aggressive and will most likely live peacefully with other fish, shrimp and snails. Peaceful aquarium inhabitants and therefore ideal for community tanks

Procambarus Versutus

Procambarus Versutus

Common Name:  SLY CRAYFISH

Scientific Name:  Procambarus (Pennides) versutus (Hagen)

Origin: USA

Max body size: 7cm

Keeping: You can keep one pair in an aquarium of 60cmx30cm. Bigger tanks allow for a greater number of individuals. A wide range of pH and GH is possible as long as one avoids the extremes. Quite tolerant to a wide range of water conditions and quality.
Behaviour: like most crayfish these are omnivorous. However they are no great eaters and keeping them in a planted tank is possible, as long as one does not need a perfect tank and can live with the little damage they do.Intra-species aggression is not big, one can even raise most of the young ones in the adults' tank.
How to tell apart males from females: As usual (longer pincers, gonopods in males, broader tail in females)

Breeding: as usual

spread: rare

remark: get blue most easily. Does have something to do with diet I think. Color can change from brown to blue and back after each molt.


Rarity Ranks:  G5/S1

State Legal Status:  Rare

Federal Legal Status:  None

Description:  The Sly Crayfish is dorsally tan or brown with cream and black markings.  Striking cream-colored stripes run horizontally along the sides of the carapace and abdomen.  The rostrum bears spines lateral to the tip and has a central ridge (carina).  There are two distinctive cervical spines on either side of the carapace.  The claws are dark, but the tubercles on the claws are even darker.  The abdomen is brown and is covered with black blotches; these black markings form a horizontal band with irregular edges along the sides of the abdomen.  The areola is 2-3 times as long as broad and comprises 24 - 28 percent of the total length of the carapace.  Males of this species may reach a maximum total body length of over 90 mm (3.5 in).  Mature females are about the same size, but males have notably larger claws.

Similar Species:  The Sly Crayfish has a distinctive color pattern in life that makes it easy to distinguish from other crayfishes within in its range.  However, it may be difficult to distinguish from preserved specimens of the White Tubercled Crayfish (Procambarus spiculifer). The dark (vs. white) tubercles of the sly crayfish are a helpful character.

Habitat:  The Sly Crayfish has been found only in clear, free-flowing streams.  During the day they are usually found within debris, aquatic plants (e.g., Golden Club, Orontium aquaticum), and washed out root masses along the banks of sand-bottomed streams.  They move out over the sand to forage at night.  They may dig simple burrows into the banks of streams.  This species is usually found in low pH (acidic) streams, whereas the White Tubercled Crayfish is usually found in streams of near neutral pH.  High quality habitat for the Sly Crayfish occurs in Pine Knot Creek and other eastern tributaries of Upatoi Creek.

Diet:  No studies of the Sly Crayfish diet are known.  Crayfishes are considered opportunistic omnivores and likely feed on live and decaying vegetation, aquatic insect larvae, small fishes, and dead animal matter.

Life History:  The only life history information published is notes provided by Hobbs (1981).  Hobbs (1981) examined only five specimens from Georgia, but in Alabama and Florida he reported males in reproductive condition from all months of the year and egg-bearing females from April to June.  Stanton (2006) also collected males in reproductive condition throughout the year in Georgia, but rarely encountered egg-bearing females.

Survey Recommendations:  Disturbing the substrate around aquatic plants and debris upstream from a net is productive.  Because crayfish are typically more active at night, trapping may also be effective.

Range:  The Sly Crayfish is distributed within the Chattahoochee River system in Chattahoochee and Marion counties.  With the exception of a few small creeks draining directly into the Chattahoochee River from Fort Benning, Georgia, records of the Sly Crayfish are restricted to the Upatoi Creek system. This species is also found in creeks across southern Alabama and in the panhandle of Florida.

Threats:  The Sly Crayfish is threatened in Georgia by its small geographic range and land uses within that range.  The Chattahoochee County habitat lies within federal property, the Fort Benning Military Reservation.  This habitat has been well protected in the past, but could be threatened by increased military training occurring on base.  Two of the best Marion County localities have been impacted by recent highway construction.

Conservation and Management Recommendations:  Conserving populations of the Sly Crayfish will require general watershed-level conservation practices, such as protection of riparian zones and adherence to best management practices for forestry, agriculture, and highway construction.  Special efforts should be made to protect important populations in Black, Juniper, and Pine Knot Creeks and Fort Benning should include this species in future conservation planning efforts.  Non-native crayfishes should never be used for bait.  Instead, anglers should use crayfishes collected from the river system they will be fishing in and should never release unused bait crayfish back into Georgia waters.

Selected References:

Bouchard, R. W. 1976. Crayfishes and shrimps. In: H. Boschung, ed., Endangered and Threatened Plants and Animals of Alabama. Bulletin of the Alabama Museum of Natural History 2:13-20. Page 14.

Hagen, H. A. 1870. Monograph of the North American Astacidae.  Illustrated Catalogue of the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard College 3:117 p.

Hobbs, H. H., Jr. 1981. The crayfishes of Georgia, Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology 318:1–549.

Stanton, G. E.  2006.  Evaluation of conservation status of six West Georgia, Chattahoochee-Flint River crayfish species. Report to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Natural Heritage Program, Social Circle, GA. 60 p.

Taylor, C. A., G. A. Schuster, J. E. Cooper, R. J. DiStefano, A. G. Eversole, P. Hamr, H. H. Hobbs III, H. W. Robison, C. E. Skelton, and R. F. Thoma,  2007.  A reassessment of the conservation status of crayfishes of the United States and Canada after 10+ years of increased awareness. Fisheries 32(8):372-389.

Author of species account:  George E. Stanton

Engaeus Granulatus

Engaeus Granulatu

Engaeus Granulatus 
 
Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Subphylum : Crustacea
Class : Malacostraca
Order : Decapoda
Infraorder : Astacidea
Family : Parastacidae
Genus : Engaeus

Species : Engaeus Granulatus 

Engaeus granulatus is a Tasmanian endemic burrowing crayfish occupying a restricted distribution in the Central North. The specific name of the crayfish refers to the prominent granulations found on its claws, which makes it one of our more easily identified Engaeus species. Within its distribution, the species seldom exhibits the vigorous colonies that are often typical of the other named species in the genus. For this reason as well as the fact that this crayfish often occurs in areas that are experiencing considerable development with subsequent habitat loss, E. granulatus is probably even less secure than the other threatened species of Engaeus currently listed.

Engaeus granulatus has been assessed as Critically Endangered under criterion. This species is thought to have undergone a decline of 80% or greater in the last ten years. It has an estimated area of occupancy of less than 0.5 km² with a severely fragmented distribution. It is subject to a range of threats which are resulting in a continuing decline in the quality of habitat. A species recovery plan has been developed, however urgent action is needed to protect some of the remaining subpopulations as none are protected at the present time.

Countries / Native: Australia (Tasmania)

Habitat and Ecology:     This species occupies seeps, wetlands and stream banks in relatively undisturbed habitats. It is only rarely seen above ground or in standing water. This species is often found in clayey soils with deeper burrows than other Engaeus species. It is believed to eat rotting wood, detritus, root material and, occasionally, animal material. The dispersal of this species through waterways may be limited, leading to restricted ranges and a high degree of local speciation (Doran 1999). The largest male recorded was 25.5 mm carapace length, and mature females ranged form 18.8 to 29.6 mm carapace length. The largest non-reproductive female was 19.6 mm carapace length (Horwtiz 1990).

Range Description:     This species is endemic to central north Tasmania. It is found in an area running southwest from Port Sorell to the Railton area and north to Quoiba, near Devonport (Nelson 2003). The historical distribution of this species is difficult to determine. Based on the distribution and abundance of other burrowing crayfish, it is likely that this species was quite common throughout its range prior to its habitat becoming highly modified (Nelson 2003). This species has an estimated extent of occurrence of 515 km² (N. Doran pers. comm. 2009).  Surveys conducted in 2002-03 found that this species had a restricted, fragmented population with limited connectivity between populations. Occupancy within its range is estimated to be between 0.2 - 0.5 km² (Threatened Species Scientific Commitee 2004). This estimate is based on known locations, with a 10 m (0.2 km²) or 20 m (0.5 km²) buffer applied to waterways and suitable wet areas within each colony to give an overall estimate of potentially occupied habitat (Threatened Species Scientific Commitee 2004). This is thought to be a conservative estimate (Threatened Species Scientific Commitee 2004). It is still not clear how much available suitable habitat is unsampled (Threatened Species Scientific Commitee 2004). It is highly probable that known populations will remain isolated due to the modified environments separating them and the continuing threatening processes operating throughout the range of the species (Nelson 2003).

AstacoidesMadagascariensis

Astacoides Madagascariensis

Madagascar Freshwater Crayfish

Astacoides Madagascariensis
Madagascar Freshwater Crayfish
Madagascar Crayfish 
The "Macrophthalmes"

Kingdom:     Animalia
Phylum:     Arthropoda
Subphylum:     Crustacea
Class:     Malacostraca
Order:     Decapoda
Family:     Parastacidae
Genus:     Astacoides

Species :   Astacoides Madagascariensis, A Madagascariensis


Astacoides is a genus of freshwater crayfish endemic to Madagascar. The first specimens were brought to Europe in 1839, and seven species are now recognised, most of which are on the IUCN Red List. They are large and slow-growing, and are threatened by habitat loss and overexploitation by local people. They are only found in a relatively small part of the island, mostly in undisturbed upland areas. They belong to the Gondwana-distributed family Parastacidae, but their nearest relatives live in Australasia, there being no native crayfish in mainland Africa or India.


Astacoides Madagascariensis has been assessed as Data Deficient. This species has possibly undergone declines in abundance due to habitat degradation and loss. It is likely to undergo further declines in the future due to introduced species. This species is likely to qualify for a threat category, however there is no available estimate on the rate of population decline. Further research is needed to determine population decline before a more accurate assessment of conservation status can be made.

Astacoides Madagascariensis is endemic to Madagascar, and extends a little further north than that of any other Malagasy crayfishes. The distribution of this species lies at latitudes 18° to 21° S, longitudes 47° to 49° E. Type specimens were probably collected in the vicinity of Tananarive (Hobbs 1987). This species is found in the Toamasina and Antananarivo provinces (Boyko et al. 2005). This species has an estimated extent of occurrence of 3,697 km2.

Native : Madagascar

Crayfish are only found in a relatively small area of Madagascar, covering parts of Toamasina, Antananarivo, Fianarantsoa and Toliara provinces; the total area they inhabit is around 60,000 square kilometres (23,000 sq mi) and ranges from the Isaha valley south to the Hauts Plateaux (near Anjozorobe).[4] In common with other tropical crayfish, Astacoides only lives at higher altitudes, from 500 metres (1,600 ft) above sea level to 2,000 m (6,600 ft)

The presence of Astacoides on the island of Madagascar is difficult to explain. The other members of the family Parastacidae are found in South America and Australasia, suggesting a Gondwanan origin for the family. However, there are no native crayfish in either Africa or India, the two landmasses with the most recent connections to Madagascar in the geological past.The genus which shares the greatest similarities with Astacoides is the Tasmanian genus Astacopsis. Given the large distance between Tasmania and Madagascar, it has been suggested that although the freshwater crayfish are a monophyletic group, their common ancestor may have lived in the seas, with separate crayfish lineages colonising the rivers separately

Astacoides Betsileosensis

Astacoides Betsileosensis

Astacoides Betsileosensis
Largest Madagascar Crayfish
The "Macrophthalmes" 

Astacoides Betsileosensis

Astacoides Betsileosensis

Kingdom:     Animalia
Phylum:     Arthropoda
Subphylum:     Crustacea
Class:     Malacostraca
Order:     Decapoda
Family:     Parastacidae
Genus:     Astacoides
Species : Astacoides Betsileosensis, A Betsileosensis

Astacoides species are large for freshwater crayfish, reaching a carapace length of up to 80 millimetres (3.1 in) in the case of A. Betsileoensis. Males and females are similar, except for the organs directly involved in reproduction.Thomas Henry Huxley, in his book The Crayfish, noted that Astacoides has fewer pairs of gills than any other crayfish, with only 12 pairs compared to 21 pairs in Astacopsis.

Habitat and Ecology : Astacoides Betsileosensis is typically found to occur in the deeper-water of slow-flowing rivers at altitudes greater than 1,000m above sea level (Jones et al. 2007). It can also been found in smaller rivers with deep pools. Individuals are normally collected in areas of natural vegetation, although a single specimen has been collected from an irrigation channel in a rice field, and a number of specimens from a pine plantation (Jones et al. 2007). This is a burrowing species (Hobbs 1942) and in the study by Jones et al. (2007) it was found in burrows in sandy banks, up to a meter long with galleries running parallel to the bank.

This is the largest of the Astacoides species, and can reach up to 79 mm carapace length (CL) (Jones et al. 2007). Eggs are laid in June or July, and carried for approximately 4 months, hatching in October or November. Relative to other species of Astacoides it appears to withhold reproduction until it reaches a larger size, however in this study it was found to be the fastest growing species (Jones et al. 2007). During this same study 50% of females were found to be reproductive at 65mm carapace length.

Procambarus Erythrops

Procambarus Erythrops

Santa Fe Cave Crayfish
Procambarus Erythrops
Sims Sink Crayfish
Albino Crayfish 
Blind Crayfish







Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Subphylum : Crustacea
Class : Malacostraca
Order : Decapoda
Family : Cambaridae
Genus : Procambarus
Species : Procambarus Erythrops


Procambarus Erythrops is an arthropod, or more specifically a crustacean, in the Cambaridae family.

Procambarus Erythrops is commonly known (its common name) as the Santa Fe Cave Crayfish in English.

Procambarus Erythrops is classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plant and animal species maintained by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Sims Sink Crayfish (Procambarus erythrops) SSC 1 - The Sims sink crayfish, sometimes called the Santa Fe cave crayfish, is a  blind, Albino Crayfish that swims through the inky depths of Sims Sink in northern Florida. A medium-sized  white crayfish with reduced eyes, each of which bears a reddish pigment spot, Sims sink crayfish have an average body length of 3.5 inches. These colorless crustaceans are among the few creatures that have adapted to the lightless world at the bottom of the region's aquifers, springs, and sinkholes. Many species who make their homes in these freshwater labyrinths are endemic to only a handful of aquifers and are found nowhere else in the world.

Procambarus Econfinae

Procambarus Econfinae

Panama City Crayfish

Procambarus Econfinae
Panama City Crayfish

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Subphylum : Crustacea
Class : Malacostraca
Order : Decapoda
Family : Cambaridae
Genus : Procambarus
Species : Procambarus Econfinae





Procambarus econfinae, sometimes called the Panama City crayfish, is a species of crayfish in the family Cambaridae. It is only found around Panama City, Florida, and is listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List.
 
Panama City Crayfish (Procambarus econfinae) SSC 1 - Panama City crayfish is a species that exists only in a small area of Bay County, Florida. The crayfish is listed as a species of special concern and protected by the state of Florida, though not by the federal government. Land development is the primary cause of the species decline. Since much of the crayfish’s natural habitat no longer exists, it is necessary to conserve the remaining habitat.


Justification :
Procambarus econfinae has been assessed as Endangered under criterion B1ab(iii). This species has an estimated extent of occurrence of 2,500 km2, and a severely fragmented distribution. Furthermore, it is experiencing a continuing decline in quality of habitat from groundwater abstraction and urban development. Further research is required to determine the abundance of this species, and the extent to which it is being impacted upon by threats within its range. In addition, site protection is required to prevent further degradation of the habitat of this species.

Range Description : This sprecies is found in the environs of Panama City, Bay County, Florida (Hobbs 1989). Within this area, its distribution is severely fragmented. Its range is bounded on three sides by the St. Andrews Bay system, and on the East by Callaway Creek and Bayou (K. Crandall pers. comm. 2009). This species has an estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) of approximately 2,500 km2.

Countries Native : United States (Florida)

Habitat and Ecology :  This species is found in coastal plain flatwood forests, ditches and temporary ponds. Furthermore, it is a secondary burrower (Hobbs 1989).

Procambarus Pictus

Procambarus Pictus

Procambarus Pictus

Spotted Royal Crayfish

Procambarus Pictus
Black Creek Crayfish
Spotted Royal Crayfish

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Subphylum : Crustacea
Class : Malacostraca
Order : Decapoda
Family : Cambaridae
Genus : Procambarus
Species : Procambarus Pictus

Common Name/s: English - Black Creek Crayfish, Spotted Royal Crayfish

Procambarus Pictus, sometimes called the Black Creek crayfish or spotted royal crayfish, is a species of crayfish in family Cambaridae. It is endemic to Florida, where it is found in the Black Creek river system, the St. Johns River, and the upper Etoniah Creek.


Justification:
Procambarus pictus has been assessed as Near Threatened. This species almost meets the requirements for Endangered under Criteria B, as it has an extent of occurrence of 1,600 km² and is endemic to the Black Creek river system. There is a reported continuing decline in the quality of this species habitat due to ecosystem modification and ongoing habitat destruction and degradation, however this species is known from a number of collection localities where there appears to be genetic interchange. Further research is needed to determine over how much of its range it is undergoing a decline and therefore if it warrants listing in a threatened category. 

Range Description : This species is known from several small tributaries of Black Creek in Clay County, a tributary to the St. Johns River in Duval County, Florida (Franz and Franz 1979). It is also reported from Putnam County (NatureServe 2009), in the upper Etoniah Creek system (P. Moler pers. comm. 2010). It is known from three stream systems (Black and Etoniah creeks, and a small stream near Fort Caroline). There have been many collecting sites (over 30, mostly in Black Creek) within these systems. In addition, potential gene flow probably occurs among most or all sites within each system (K. Crandall pers. comm. 2009). This species has a distribution of approximately 1,600 km². 


Native: United States (Florida)

Black Creek Crayfish

Black Creek Crayfish (Procambarus pictus) SSC- Restricted to a few small stream systems in Clay, Duval, and Putnam counties in the northeastern part of the state of Florida, the black creek crayfish  most known localities are within the Black and Rice creek drainages. This crayfish is medium-sized, growing up to 3 inches long and has a distinctive pattern of yellowish to white spots and stripes on a dark brown to black carapace, and a rust-colored abdomen with dark cross-bands. Crayfish hide during the day in submerged vegetation, roots, and detritus, but can often be seen crawling along the stream bottom at night

Engaeus Yabbimunna

Burnie Burrowing Crayfish

Engaeus Yabbimunna

Engaeus Yabbimunna
Burnie Burrowing Crayfish

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Subphylum : Crustacea
Class : Malacostraca
Order : Decapoda
Infraorder : Astacidea
Family : Parastacidae
Genus : Engaeus

Species : Engaeus Yabbimunna

Engaeus Yabbimunna was unknown until 1992, when a population was located at Burnie on the North West Coast of Tasmania (Doran & Richards, 1996). For this reason E. yabbimunna was given the name "Burnie Burrowing Crayfish". E. yabbimunna is distinguished from similar species by slight morphological differences including the presence of only one row of tubercules ("bumps") on the chelae ("claws"), an upturned spine on the rostrum and the pattern of pores on the sternum (Horwitz, 1994).

Doran and Richards (1996) note that E. yabbimunna live in burrows which always reach the water table. This corresponds to Horwitz & Richardson's (1986) Type 2 burrows. The species is thought to feed on rotting vegetation and perhaps aquatic macroinvertebrates (Doran & Richards, 1996). At the time of its discovery in 1994, it was considered to have an extremely restricted distribution and was initially known from only three creeks in the Burnie area ((Doran & Richards, 1996). However, further work has revealed a wider distribution, with the species having been recently identified from several catchments west of Burnie (J. Nelson, A.M.M. Richardson, pers. comm.). Nevertheless, E. yabbimunna is considered to be a rare species whose survival is threatened by many pressures, including habitat removal and disturbance as well as decreased water quality (Doran & Richards, 1996).

Marist Regional College's Burnie Burrowing Crayfish Project consisted of a group of  Year 10 students who monitored water quality and mapped vegetation and the distribution of crayfish burrows along a creek flowing through the City of Burnie. The aim of the project was to assess the habitat available to E. yabbimunna in the area with a view to developing a recovery plan for the species.



The Burnie Burrowing Crayfish is a freshwater crayfish which grows to an average of 6 cm long. This species is distinctive as it has only one row of tubercles on the back of the claw, a smooth 'palm' of the claw and an upturned tip of the rostrum (projection between the eyes) (Bryant & Jackson 1999).

Australian DistributionThe Burnie Burrowing Crayfish is known only from Burnie and the area immediately to the west, in Tasmania. The species was first discovered in 1992 in Burnie Park. It has been recorded at 34 sites in Shorewell, Romaine, Cooee, Seabrook, Camp and Distillery Creeks (Doran 1999b; Doran & Richards 1996). The extent of occurrence is 130 km² (Richardson et al. 2006).

The species has a fragmented distribution, as only those subpopulations in Romaine Creek are interconnected (Doran & Richards 1996).

Population InformationThe population size of the Burnie Burrowing Crayfish has been estimated at 229 000 to 1 650 000. This was calculated using the density/occupancy estimates determined for the related Scottsdale Burrowing Crayfish (Engaeus spinicaudatus) coupled with known locations and projected habitat for the Burnie Burrowing Crayfish (Doran 1999b).

Land Tenure of PopulationsThe Burnie Burrowing Crayfish is not known to occur in any conservation reserves (Doran 1999b).

HabitatThe Burnie Burrowing Crayfish prefers well covered, slowly draining strips of fern dominated native riparian vegetation. It is known from stream banks and seepages retaining remnant riparian vegetation within Burnie, and, outside the city, in open and grassy sheep pasture, farm dams, roadside seeps and culverts, sedgey marsh, and some moderately disturbed stream sides (Doran 1999b).

The Burnie Burrowing Crayfish usually constructs burrows which are connected to the water table (Doran 1999b). Burrows can be complex and extensive and may often be the product of several generations of crayfish activity (Doran & Richards 1996).

Life CycleBurrowing crayfish live their entire lives within their burrow systems (DPIW 2007). Males and females are not found in the same burrow system (Horwitz 1990a). They occasionally appear on the surface at night and in damp, overcast conditions. All burrowing crayfish have gills under their carapace, making them dependent on water to breathe (DPIW 2007).

Burnie Burrowing Crayfish are believed to mate in early September (Doran 1999b). Females have been found in early December carrying eggs in an early stage of development under their tails (Doran 1999b).

FeedingBurrowing crayfish feed on rotting wood, detritus, root material and occasional animals material (Bryant & Jackson 1999b). Ferns (Dicksonia antarctica), tea-tree, other vegetable material and aquatic invertebrates are likely food sources for the Burnie Burrowing Crayfish (Doran & Richards 1996).

Movement Patterns
Breeding and dispersal between different subpopulation of the Burnie Burrowing Crayfish is likely to be very limited in most cases (Doran & Richards 1996).

Species identification
In areas where only one burrowing crayfish species occurs, the presence of crayfish burrows confirms the presence of that species. However, in some areas, more than one crayfish species may be present (that is, the species occur together). In an area of overlapping distributions, further investigation is needed once burrows have been located to determine the species occupying a particular microhabitat. This will usually involve burrow excavation. Burrow excavation surveys must be designed and implemented in a way that minimises the disturbance to habitat at the site and should only be conducted in consultation with burrowing crayfish experts. Survey methodology should include protocols for appropriate hygiene controls to avoid the spread of pathogens such as chytrid fungus and Phytophthora in crayfish habitat. Permits may be needed for burrow excavation surveys (Tasmanian Burrowing Crayfish Workshop 2010).

ThreatsWater pollution, water diversion and habitat removal are the greatest threats to the Burnie Burrowing Crayfish (Doran 1999b). Removal of vegetation from creek banks is likely to reduce the food available to this species (Doran & Richards 1996).

The species is thought to be particularly threatened by processes associated with increasing urbanisation and industrial pollution in the Burnie urban area. Populations are also threatened by agricultural and forestry activities through changes to hydrology, construction of dams and roads, streamside land clearance, soil compaction, sedimentation and changes to water quality (LEC 2007).

Due to its limited dispersal capacity, the Burnie Burrowing Crayfish is at risk from inbreeding depression. It is also less likely to be able to recolonise areas in which the local subpopulation has become extinct (Doran & Richards 1996).

Engaeus Yabbimunna Distribution Map

Engaeus Orramakunna

Engaeus Orramakunna

Tasmania's Freshwater Burrowing Crayfish
Mt. Arthur Burrowing Crayfish
Mount Arthur Burrowing Crayfish
Burrowing Crayfish
E. Orramakunna
Engaeus Orramakunna

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Subphylum : Crustacea
Class : Malacostraca
Order : Decapoda
Infraorder : Astacidea
Family : Parastacidae
Genus : Engaeus

Species : Engaeus Orramakunna



The Mount Arthur Burrowing Crayfish grows to 8 cm long. It is orange in colour and is paler on its underside and darker on its back. Younger animals may vary from dark reddish-brown to translucent grey-blue in colour (Bryant & Jackson 1999b). The species has long antenna which extend well beyond the edge of the carapace (LEC 2003).

Australian Distribution
The Mount Arthur Burrowing Crayfish is known from a range of 300 km² centred on Mount Arthur in north-east Tasmania. Its occupancy within its range is not well known, however, suitable habitat is common. The species extends to near Lilydale, Nabowla and south Springfield. Its range borders on distributions of other freshwater crayfish, including Engaeus tayatea, E. nulloporius, E. mairener and E. leptorhynchus. The species is also found near Launceston, although its exact boundary remains undefined. The north-east extreme of its distribution extends into an area of significant biological diversity and evolutionary importance for burrowing crayfish and Tasmanian fauna as a whole (Horwitz 1996, cited in Doran 1999b). Approximately 55% of the species' northern distribution occurs in state forests. A comprehensive review of the species distribution can be found in Doran and Richards (1996).

Population Information
The number of adult individuals is estimated to be 1 400 000 to 4 000 000. Since European settlement the species is considered to have undergone a substantial reduction in numbers (60–66%) due to human disturbance (TSSC 2001af).

Habitat
The Mount Arthur Burrowing Crayfish has been found in high abundance in a range of habitats. These include undisturbed rainforests, eucalypt forest, open pasture, cattle trampled pasture and roadside gutters. The primary habitat requirement appears to be a high level of moisture combined with soil suitable for burrowing.

Engaeus Orramakunna distribution

There is no uniform distribution of burrows throughout the species' habitat. In some sites burrows are uniformly distributed, while in others they are patchy (Doran & Richards 1996). Burrows are found in steep sided banks, steep stream slopes and flat marshy seeps and pans. Burrows are commonly found in areas with high canopy cover, high ground cover or low canopy cover and low ground cover and all combinations of these sites. Burrows are recorded in both open and closed habitat. Despite the ad hoc distribution and habitat or burrow location, all active burrows were found in sites of high soil moisture and high clay content (DPIW 2007b). The species occupies burrow types connected to the water table and types independent of the water table, which are dependant on surface runoff (Horwitz & Richardson 1986). In the southern regions of the species' range the soil character changes, becoming darker topsoils with an underlying reddy-grey clay (Doran & Richards 1996).

Burrows are usually found in the presence of ferns such as Dicksonia antarctica. They are also found under a range of canopy species, including eucalypt, tea-tree, paperbarks, Radiata Pine (Pinus radiata) and Sassafras (Atherosperma moschatum) (Doran & Richards 1996). A comprehensive review of the species' habitat can be found in Doran and Richards (1996).

Life Cycle
Burrowing crayfish live their entire lives within burrow systems, only emerging occasionally at night and in damp, overcast conditions. All burrowing crayfish have gills under the carapace, making them dependent on water to breathe (DPIW 2007).
The Mount Arthur Burrowing Crayfish is believed to begin breeding in late May. Females of the species have been found carrying undifferentiated eggs in mid-June, early August, late October and early November. Males have been observed occupying the same burrow as females throughout these periods (Doran 1999b).

Engaeus Martiginer

Engaeus Martiginer

Tasmania's Freshwater Burrowing Crayfish
Furneaux burrowing crayfish 
E. Martiginer
Engaeus Martiginer


Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Subphylum : Crustacea
Class : Malacostraca
Order : Decapoda
Infraorder : Astacidea
Family : Parastacidae
Genus : Engaeus

Species : Engaeus Martiginer

Tasmania has a rich freshwater crayfish fauna with approximately 37 species in 4 genera. They range from the world's largest freshwater crayfish, the Giant Freshwater Lobster (Astacopsis gouldi) weighing up to 6 kg, to the tiny burrowing crayfish of the Engaeus genus, with a maximum length of 10cm. Within the Engaeus genus there are 15 known species (with another possible new species under investigation), 13 of which occur only in Tasmania, and two we share with Victoria.

The burrowing crayfish of the genus Engaeus (pronounced En-GAY-Us), found only in south-eastern Australia, are very specialised crayfish living in tunnel systems in muddy banks, seepages and peaty areas. While most freshwater crayfish live in flowing water, the burrowing crayfish live their entire life within their burrow systems, only venturing out occasionally at night and in damp, overcast conditions. As they are typically no longer free-swimming, many of the species have much reduced tails as can be seen in the picture above. Other features of the genus include a narrow body and, unique among Tasmanian genera, claws that open vertically rather than horizontally to the body, allowing for larger claws in the confined space of narrow tunnels.


As all crayfish have gills under their carapace (shell), they are dependent on water to breathe. Typically the tunnels of burrowing crayfish reach down to the water table and over the summer period when the water table drops, they will follow it down through well established tunnels, sometimes to depths of 2-3 metres.

Burrowing crayfish generally eat decaying organic matter in the soil, such as rotting leaves and twigs but will supplement their diet with the occasional small worm or grub they come across.

All species of Engaeus construct characteristic ‘chimneys’ made from balls of mud placed at the entrance of their burrow. These may range from just a few mud pellets or a structure to 40 cm in height, but we don’t really know why they build them!

Over dry periods, they will often plug the chimney, possibly to retain moisture within the burrow.

Breeding takes place from spring through to early summer. During this period adult females can be found carrying eggs or new hatchlings under the tail, which is closed over them to form a pocket for protection.

Each species has slightly different habitat requirements so that although a couple of different species may be found on the one property, they will inhabit specific areas depending on water flow, soil type, vegetation and degree of habitat disturbance.

Living their lives underground makes the burrowing crayfish extremely difficult to study without disturbing them. As a result there is still much to learn on the life history and requirements of the different species.

Engaeus Martiginer

ProcambarusPaeninsulanus

Procambarus Paeninsulanus

Procambarus Paeninsulanus 
Penisula Crayfish
Procambarus Penisula  

Procambarus paeninsulanus This species is from the panhandle of Florida. It is not easy to  distinguish from P. clarkii ( Keith A. Crandall, 2000. personal information ).

Range Description:
This species is found in southern Georgia, and Florida from the Choctawhatchee Basin east and south to Flagler, Marion, and Hillsboro Counties (Hobbs 1942). This species has a distribution of approximately 96,000 km2.

Countries Native:
United States (Florida, Georgia)

Procambarus Paeninsulanus Blue

Cherax Sp Blue Mountain

Cherax Sp Blue Mountain

Cherax Sp
Cherax Blue Mountain
Cherax Sp Blue Mountain

I get great picture from wiki, but i can't gat enough information about this species, only known this species from New South Wales, Australia

Astacus Pachypus

Astacus Pachypus

Astacus Pachypus
Thick-clawed Crayfish
Caspian Crayfish
Dneiper-Bug Lagoon

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum ARTHROPODA
Subphylum Crustacea
Class Malacostraca
Order Decapoda
Family Astacidae
Genus Astacus

Scientific name : Astacus Pachypus

Synonyms Astacus Pachypus :
Astacus Caspius Eichwald, 1841
Caspiastacus Pachypus (Rathke, 1837)
Pontastacus Pachypus (Rathke, 1837)
Potamobius Pachypus (Rathke, 1837)

Common Name/s Astacus Pachypus :
English - Thick-clawed Crayfish
Ukraine - Dneiper-Bug Lagoon

Countries Native Astacus Pachypus:
Azerbaijan; Kazakhstan; Russian Federation; Turkmenistan; Ukraine

Presence uncertain Astacus Pachypus :
Bulgaria; Georgia

Astacus Pachypus, the Caspian crayfish is a species of crayfish found in the Caspian Sea, the Don river, and parts of the Black Sea and Sea of Azov,where it lives in salinities of up to 14‰.  Astacus Pachypus  is listed as Data Deficient in the IUCN Red List.

Astacus Pachypus is indigenous to Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan (Machino and Holdich 2006; Holdich et al. 2009). In Azerbaijan it is known from the coastal waters off Baku (Holdich 2002); in Kazakhastan this species is known from the coastal waters of the Caspian Sea (Sokolsky et al. 1999); in Turkmenistan it is known from coastal waters (Cherkashina 1999a); in the Ukraine  Astacus Pachypus  is known from the Dneiper-Bug Lagoon of the Azov-Black Sea Basin (Cherkashina 1999b). This species appears to be absent from the northern Caspian Sea which may be as a result of oil pollution (Souty-Grosset et al. 2006).

Astacus Pachypus was once reported from Bulgaria (Skurdal and Taugbøl 2001) however this is believed to be an error and there have since been no further reports of this species (A. Zaikov and G. Grozev pers. comm. 2002 cited in Holdich 2002).

Conservation Actions Astacus Pachypus : Astacus pachypus is listed as a species in 'danger of extinction', in the Red Data Book of the Region of Rostov in Russia (Souty-Grosset et al. 2006).

Monitoring of population numbers is needed to determine at what rate this species is declining globally. Further research on current threats is needed.

Astacus Pachypus / Caspian Crayfish

Astacus Leptodactylus

Astacus Leptodactylus Red Color

Astacus Leptodactylus
Iran Crayfish
Turkish Crayfish
Danube Crayfish
Galican Crayfish
Long-clawed Crayfish
Narrow-clawed Crayfish
Pond Crayfish
Slender-clawed Crayfish
Swamp Crayfish


Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Family: Astacidae
Genus: Astacus
Species: Astacus Leptodactylus


Common name Astacus Leptodactylus

English : Danube Crayfish, Galican Crayfish, Long-clawed Crayfish, Narrow-clawed Crayfish, Pond Crayfish, Slender-clawed Crayfish, Swamp Crayfish, Turkish Crayfish
French : Écrevisse á Pattes Grêles, Écrevisse des Manais, Écrevisse Turque
Rusian : Pontastacus kessleri


Temp : 6 - 24 Celcius

Astacus Leptodactylus Averages 15-30 cm total length. The side of the thorax is rough and pale yellow to green in colour. The claws Astacus Leptodactylus are long and narrow. The upper surface is rough.

Astacus Leptodactylus can grow up to 30 centimetres (12 in) in length from the tip of the rostrum to the end of the telson (tail), but is more commonly found at around 15 cm (6 in) in length. The sides of the thorax are very rough, usually pale yellow to pale green in colour. Astacus Leptodactylus has two pairs of post-orbital ridges, the second of which may have spines. It also has a prominent tubercle (small nodule) on shoulder of the carapace. The claws of Astacus Leptodactylus are long and narrow (hence the common name 'narrow-clawed crayfish'). Their upper surface is rough and the underside is the same colour as the body. A tubercle can be found on the fixed side of the claw. Astacus Leptodactylus can be distinguished most easily from the European or broad-fingered crayfish, Astacus Astacus, by the relatively thinner "fingers" of the claws.


Astacus Leptodactylus in Iran
Iranian native crayfish includes one crayfish species, Astacus Leptodactylus, with two subspecies, A. l. leptodactylus (lives in freshwater) and A. l. eichwaldi (lives in the Caspian Sea with 12 ppt salinity). Only A. leptodactylus is commonly distributed in Iranian water resources. Nearly 80 years ago local fishermen started to catch Anzali Lagoon crayfish and sold them to foreigners and embassy employees. The consumption of crayfish in Iran is very low, approximately 1 t annually. The first commercially significant crayfish harvest in Iran was 11.3 t from Anzali Lagoon in 1985. It was carried out by a Turkish company. In 1985, the introduction of  Astacus Leptodactylus  was started into suitable Iranian freshwaters. For example, crayfish from Anzali Lagoon were introduced into Arass water reservoir in 1985. Today, Arass water reservoir is the main resource of crayfish in Iran. There was no further crayfish harvest in Iran until 1993. In that year, a private Iranian company began harvesting the Iranian crayfish and exporting them to European countries. In 1993, 3.2 t of crayfish were exported from Iran. Although there have been fluctuations between years, the export of crayfish in Iran increased remarkably after 1996. The successful results of crayfish introductions gave rise to this increase. In 2003, the export of A. leptodactylus from Iran reached the maximum level (216 t). The commercial value of exported crayfish between 2000 and 2009 varied from 1.5–2.5 million US$ annually and its amount was 106–211.5 t. However, there was a reduction in the export of A. leptodactylus from Iran after 2003, to just above 100 t. In conclusion, in order to increase crayfish production in Iran, introduction of A. leptodactylus into suitable water resources, and management, conservation and monitoring of present crayfish populations should be carried out.



Range Description Astacus Leptodactylus :  This is a widespread species and can be found throughout Europe, eastern Russia, and the middle east. However it is absent from some of the northern European countries such as Norway and Sweden, and the southern European countries Spain and Portugal (Souty-Grosset et al. 2006). It is considered indigenous in the eastern part of its range, but has been introduced into many of the western European countries (Machino and Holdich 2006, Souty-Grosset et al. 2006)


Native Astacus Leptodactylus :
Austria; Azerbaijan; Belarus; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Croatia; Georgia; Greece; Hungary; Iran, Islamic Republic of; Israel; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyzstan; Moldova; Romania; Russian Federation; Serbia; Slovakia; Turkey (Turkey-in-Asia, Turkey-in-Europe); Turkmenistan; Ukraine

Astacus Leptodactylus is fairly docile, especially the male with large claws, and favours relatively still waters such as lakes and canals. It is listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List

Astacus Leptodactylus

Astacus Leptodactylus Blue

Astacus Leptodactylus Brown

Astacus Leptodactylus Blue