Fauna
Invertebrate

Noble Crayfish

Astacus astacus

Also known as European Crayfish, Broad-fingered Crayfish

Noble crayfish inhabit clean, oxygen-rich rivers and lakes across Europe, digging shallow burrows along muddy banks or sheltering beneath submerged stones. Active primarily at night, they forage on detritus, water plants, and small invertebrates while playing a vital role in aquatic nutrient cycling. Severe declines have occurred over the past century due to habitat degradation and the introduced fungal crayfish plague.

AquaticFreshwaterNocturnal
Noble Crayfish reference1 / 7
Dragon187 / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAquatic Insects, Water Plants, Detritus
Predators
  • Eurasian Otter
  • Northern Pike
  • Grey Heron
ThreatsCrayfish plague pathogen, invasive alien crayfish species, aquatic pollution
HabitatsUnpolluted streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes
Life span15–20 years
Classification
  1. FamilyAstacidae
  2. SpeciesAstacus astacus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Large pincers can pinch painfully if handled; observe carefully in water.
What to notice
Recognizable by its dark brown body and broad pincers with reddish undersides and a reddish hinge joint.
Support conservation
Never relocate crayfish between water bodies and avoid disturbing submerged rocks where burrows exist.
Responsible observation
  • Night Viewing: Search clear stream margins at dusk with a low-intensity flashlight to spot foraging individuals.
  • Biosecurity Caution: Thoroughly dry and disinfect boots and water gear before moving between river systems to avoid spreading fungal spores.
Related species
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