Aquatic Invertebrates - invasive

Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) on Jul 25, 2025

Submitter does not have a specimen
EDRR Status: Ongoing monitoring

Description of specimen

Long, slender crayfish. Smaller plates on back. Dark red and tiny bumps on shell. Very aggressive. Long narrow claws. Tail stayed curled under

Commentary

None

Remedy

Red Swamp Crayfish is an Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Prohibited Species, meaning they "may not be imported, possessed, sold, purchased, exchanged or transported in the state".

Resources

Picture guide to crayfish in Oregon; Crayfish information from SeaGrant; and ODFW Red Swamp Crayfish fact sheet.

Location

Mean crayfish about two feet up the bank from the edge of the water. It was hidden by grass that I pushed aside to see what was moving. To the left of the main boat put-in. Was at about 7:30 am. Thing was very lively. I'd never seen one like that and I mistakenly left it after taking pics. Next time I'll research immediately when I have suspicions. There may have been more because the tall grass was moving some.

Expert Reviewer

Keith DeHart
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife

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