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Red Swamp Crayfish

Procambarus clarkii

Published on Project Noah
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33.0591, -117.069

Field Notes

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

Reference Links:

Procambarus clarkii, Species Procambarus clarkii - Red Swamp Crayfish - BugGuide.Net

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (13)
CindyBinghamKeiser
Thank you LandmarkExpert. It's been a while but I'm guessing at least 4 inches long.
smutnee80
Amazing photos, and the video was fantastic.
CindyBinghamKeiser
You're very welcome! That's one of the great things about Project Noah! I've learned sooo much here :)
patty
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
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
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
Thank all! They are amazing and I found this one rather social. Lobster definitely comes to mind :)
KarenP
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/6369945
HemaShah
Cindy , I have never seen a Cray fish with such beautiful healthy colors!! Video is great too! Congrats for this great capture!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
The Color Red
Mission
Southern California Wildlife
Mission
2012 Best Wildlife Photo
Mission
National Geographic's Great Nature Project
Mission
The Bug Chicks Sofa Safari

Tags

Photographed
PublishedDecember 14, 2011

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