Species · GBIF taxon 2226998
Noble Crayfish
Astacus astacusAlso known as European Crayfish, Broad-fingered Crayfish
Noble crayfish inhabit clean, oxygen-rich freshwater environments where they shelter under rocks, logs, and submerged roots during the day. These nocturnal crustaceans emerge at night to forage on aquatic plants, detritus, and small invertebrates, playing a vital role in recycling nutrients within their ecosystems. They are highly sensitive to water pollution and the devastating crayfish plague, making them key bioindicators of healthy aquatic habitats.
NocturnalFreshwaterBioindicator
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Water Snails
- Insect Larvae
- Aquatic Plants
Predators
- Eurasian Otter
- Northern Pike
- Grey Heron
ThreatsCrayfish plague, habitat pollution, and competition from invasive North American signal crayfish
HabitatsClean, unpolluted freshwater streams, rivers, clay-bottomed lakes, and ponds
Life span15 to 20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAstacidae
- SpeciesAstacus astacus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Large individuals can deliver a painful pinch with their claws; handle with care if necessary.
- What to notice
- Distinguished by its broad, rough-textured claws with red undersides and a single postorbital ridge.
- Support conservation
- Avoid transferring water or wet gear between different water bodies to prevent spreading pathogens.
Responsible observation
- Observe at night: Use a red-filtered flashlight to spot them foraging along the shallows after dark.
- Disinfect gear: Always dry or disinfect boots and fishing equipment to prevent spreading the deadly crayfish plague.
- Look for burrows: Search for small, circular holes along clay riverbanks just below the water line.
Invasive Competitor (c) Parsa Fard, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Predator Bernard Landgraf / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative David Gerke / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative
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