Marbled Crayfish (Procambarus virginalis)

The Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) found an increasing number of marbled crayfish are being kept illegally and sold within pet shops in the UK. Female marbled crayfish are capable of reproducing asexually (parthenogenesis) producing hundreds of eggs every 8-9 weeks under optimum conditions. To fuel this high reproductive output, individuals feed intensely on plants and invertebrates, posing an enormous threat to native crayfish populations and associated flora and fauna. This species is capable of surviving in temperate waters so it is believed individuals would quickly establish populations if released. Furthermore, it is also suspected Procambarus spp. are of North American origin and are thus likely carriers for crayfish plague.

• Vital that biosecurity is taken into account in survey design as there is the potential that individuals may be carriers of crayfish plague. Thoroughly disinfect all footwear/waders and equipment before entering the sampling site or moving between sites.