5/26/2023 0 Comments Rusty crayfish![]() Status and Strategy for Rusty Crayfish Management This document provides in-depth information about rusty crayfish in Michigan including identification, distribution, management and control options. ![]() Rusty Crayfish Invasive Species Alert - Printable PDF It is suspected that the species was transported via bait bucket by transient anglers who used them as bait while fishing. Means of Introduction: Rusty crayfish are collected and used as bait and have been transferred by this means to many water bodies throughout Michigan and the U.S. The rusty crayfish ( Orconectes rusticus) comes from streams in the Ohio River basin states of Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana and Tennessee. Rusty crayfish also limit habitat and food sources used by native crayfish. Their broad diet can impact native populations and ecosystems. Has larger, more robust claws than native crayfish species. Spot size and darkness is highly variable across individuals. Rusty, red-colored spots are present on either side of carapace. Faxonius rusticus )) has a light to dark brown body. Local Concern: Rusty crayfish destroy aquatic plant beds, affecting the fish and organisms that require this habitat. Rusty crayfish ( Orconectes rusticus (syn. Distribution: Great Lakes states, New England south to North Carolina and Tennessee, western states including Colorado, Wyoming and Oregon. ![]() Native Range: Ohio River basin including parts of Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. The rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) is a large, aggressive species of freshwater crayfish which is native to the United States, in the Ohio River Basin. Rusty crayfish eat whatever is available, including plants, snails, clams, insects, other crayfish, fish eggs and small fish. Rusty crayfish do not burrow like other crayfish.ĭiet: Rusty crayfish are voracious eaters, consuming 2-3 times as much per day as native crayfish. Habitat: Permanent water bodies (lakes, streams, wetlands) with cover of rocks, logs or trees. Photo courtesy of Doug Watkinson Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). It is typically found in lakes, ponds and streams with rocks, logs, and other debris for shelter. It can be easily confused with other locally-native crayfish species.
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