Rusty Crayfish
Faxonius rusticus
Rusty crayfish live on rocky or weedy bottoms of streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes, where they shelter under stones and logs. They are aggressive omnivores, eating aquatic plants, insect larvae, snails, small fish eggs, carrion, and other crayfish. Their large claws are used to seize food, fight rivals, and deter predators. Native to parts of the Ohio River basin, they have become a notable invasive species in many North American waters by outcompeting native crayfish and heavily grazing aquatic vegetation.
- Type
- Shell
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
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- Rusty Crayfish