Download . Red Swamp Crayfish, Procambarus clarkii Overview Overview

Red Swamp Crayfish, Procambarus clarkii
Overview
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Short description of Procambarus clarkii, Red Swamp Crayfish
The red swamp crayfish is dark red, covered in bright red spots and has a black
wedge-shaped stripe on the top of the abdomen. Adults reach 85-90mm total length
and are aggressive in behaviour.
Description of Procambarus clarkii, Red Swamp Crayfish status in GB
Several isolated, but well-established populations of the red swamp crayfish can be
found in England. Little spread to other areas of England and no populations yet
recorded in Wales or Scotland.
Author's name:
David Aldridge
Last updated:
September 22nd 2016
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H a b i t a t s u m m a r y : Procambarus clarkii, Red Swamp Crayfish
Red swamp crayfish populations are currently found in ponds, ditches, canals and
rivers in the UK but are tolerant to a wide range of environmental conditions. They
can withstand changes in water flow, drying out and salinity, so inundated wetland,
reed bed, drainage channels and coastal marshes may also be suitable habitat.
Overview table
Environment:
Freshwater
Species status:
Non-Native
Native range:
Southeastern U.S.A., Mexico
Functional type:
Omnivore
Status in
England:
Non-Native
Location of first
record:
Hampstead Heath
Date of first
record:
1991
Invasion history: Procambarus clarkii, R e d S w a m p
Crayfish
Origin
Northeast Mexico and southern USA
First Record
The first sightings were confirmed in a roadside marsh drain near Tilbury and the
Grand Union Canal in 1990. Populations were found in Hampstead Heath ponds the
following year.
Pathway and Method
The red swamp crayfish was intentionally introduced into several European countries
in an effort to replace diminished stocks of native species. Transport of crayfish into
the UK for human consumption is legal and it is likely that crayfish may have escaped
or been released from sources intended for food.
Species Status
The red swamp crayfish is the most widespread of all crayfish species, present in all
continents except Australia and Antarctica. Populations are found in 13 different
countries in Europe where it has been introduced for aquaculture but has escaped and
become invasive. After initial sightings in the UK in 1990, breeding populations were
found in five ponds in Hampstead Heath, and in the nearby Regents Canal in London.
Ecology & Habitat: Procambarus clarkii, R e d
Ecology & Habitat: Procambarus clarkii, R e d
Swamp Crayfish
Dispersal Mechanisms
Red swamp crayfish have escaped from farms or been released from aquaria, and can
then readily travel long distances to reach water. Crayfish are able to disperse in
natural waterways or walk overland to find suitable conditions. They can survive for
extended periods out of water and are also able to climb quite well. Dispersal
distances of up to 3km in a single night have been recorded. Individuals may also be
transported between water bodies by birds such as herons.
Reproduction
Red swamp crayfish have a high growth rate, high fecundity and short lifespan. In
Britain, mating takes place in spring, spawning occurs July-August and juveniles hatch
between August and October. They mature in 3 to 5 months and so are able to breed
the following year. Females may lay up to 600 eggs at a time. Reproduction is highly
temperature dependent, slowing in cool climates and ceasing below about 10 degrees,
but increasing to two breeding cycles are year in warmer regions.
Known Predators/Herbivores
Studies in Spain and Portugal indicate that small mammals such as red fox and otter,
large birds including herons and storks, and fish such as pike and bass predate red
swamp crayfish. In Britain it is believed that eels could be important predators.
Resistant Stages
Adults are highly resistant to extremes in environmental conditions. They can tolerate
eutrophication, low oxygen levels, salinities up to 10ppt and can survive extended
periods of drought by burrowing. They are resistant but act as a vector for crayfish
plague.
Habitat Occupied in GB
There are currently only a few established populations in GB. These are found in
ponds, rivers, drainage ditches and canals.
Distribution: Procambarus clarkii, R e d S w a m p
Crayfish
I m p a c t s : Procambarus clarkii, Red Swamp Crayfish
Environmental Impact
Red swamp crayfish are large and highly fecund, and so populations can quickly cause
changes in aquatic food webs. They are omnivorous, with food sources including
detritus, macroinvertebrates, green plants, juvenile fish and amphibians, and have
been implicated in species declines in some areas. Extensive burrowing can cause
increases in turbidity which reduce light penetration for plant growth and may
contribute to ecosystem state shifts. As a vector for crayfish plague as well as an
aggressive competitor for resources, they threaten populations of native crayfish
species. They accumulate heavy metals which can poison predators higher up the food
chain.
Health and Scoial Impact
High levels of burrowing by the red swamp crayfish increase turbidity in water bodies
which can encourage growth of planktonic algae. Growth of blue-green algae can
release high levels of toxins that cause irritation to swimmers, whilst increased levels
of all algae increase the need for treatment of reservoir water. In Africa, however, red
swamp crayfish are successfully limiting the populations of snails that pass on
schistosomiasis, offering benefits for local people.
Economic Impact
Red swamp crayfish dig long burrows, which are more frequent and extensive than
those of other invaders such as the signal crayfish. This can cause extensive damage
to river banks, structures such as dams and reservoirs, and can cause leakage from
water bodies. Increased turbidity caused by burrowing can make water processing and
filtration more expensive.
References & Links: Procambarus clarkii, R e d
Swamp Crayfish
Identification
Red swamp crayfish factsheet - http:dnr.wi.govinvasivespdfsredcrayfish.pdf
Biology, ecology, spread, vectors
Correia, A.M. (2001) Seasonal and interspecific evaluation of predation by mammals
and birds on the introduced red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Crustacea,
Cambaridae) in a freshwater marsh (Portugal). J. Zool. Lond., 2 5 5, 5 3 3 - 5 4 1 .
Elvira, B., Nicola, G.G. & Almodovar, A. (1996) Pike and red swamp crayfish: a new
case on predator-prey relationship between aliens in central Spain. Journal of Fish
Biology, 4 8, 4 3 7 - 4 4 6 .
Gherardi, F., Barbaresi, S. & Salvi, G. (2000) Spatial and temporal patterns in the
movement of Procambarus clarkii, an invasive crayfish. Aquatic Science, 6 2, 1 7 9 - 1 9 3 .
Management and impact
Aquiloni, L. & Gherardi, F. (2010) The use of sex pheromones for the control of
invasive populations of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii: a field study. Hydrobiologia,
6 4 9, 2 4 9 - 2 5 4 .
Correia, A.M., Bandeira, N. & Anastacio, P.M. (2005) Predator-prey interactions of
Procambarus clarkii with aquatic macroinvertebrates in single and multiple prey
systems. Acta Oecologica, 2 8, 3 3 7 - 3 4 3 .
Gherardi, F. & Barbaresi, S. (2007) Feeding preferences of the invasive crayfish
Procambarus clarkii. Bull. Fr. Peche. Piscic., 3 8 5, 7 - 2 0 .
Gil-Sanchez, J.M. & Alba-Tercedor, J. (2002) Ecology of the native and introduced
crayfishes Austropotmobius pallipes and Procambarus clarkii in southern Spain and
implications for conservation of the native species. Biological Conservation, 1 0 5,
75-80.
Manchester, S.J. & Bullock, J.M. (2000) The impacts of non-native species on UK
Biodiversity and the effectiveness of control. Journal of Applied Ecology, 3 7 ( 5 ) ,
845-864.
Ilheu, M., Bernardo, J.M. & Fernandes, S. (year) Predation of invasive crayfish on
aquatic vertebrates: the effect of Procambarus clarkii on fish assemblage in
Mediterranean temporary streams. Chapter 29.
General
Anastacio, P.M. & Marques, J.C. (1995) Population biology and production of the red
swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii in the Lower Mondego River Valley, Portugal.
Journal of Crustacean Biology, 1 5 ( 1 ) , 1 5 6 - 1 6 8 .
Barbaresi, S. & Gherardi, F. (2000) The invasion of the alien crayfish Procambarus
clarkii in Europe, with particular reference to Italy. Biological Invasions, 2 , 2 5 9 - 2 6 4 .
Foster, J. & Harper, D. (year) Status and ecosystem interactions of the invasive
Louisiana red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii in East Africa. Chapter 4.
The Environment Agencyhttp:www.environment-agency.gov.ukresearchlibrarypublications103309.aspx
UK Non-native organisms risk assessment for Procambarus clarkii, the red swamp
crayfish- February 2005. Prepared by CABI Bioscience (CABI), Centre for Environment,
Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH),
Central Science Laboratory (CSL), Imperial College London (IC) and the University of
Greenwich (UoG).