Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 2227375
Spiny Hill Crayfish
Cambarus robustusAlso known as Robust Crayfish, Big Water Crayfish
Spiny Hill Crayfish inhabit fast-flowing, rocky streams and river margins where they shelter beneath flat slabs and large cobble. These stocky crustaceans are aggressive burrowers when water levels drop, though they spend most of their time foraging along open stream beds. Their dark olive-brown body and heavily spined claws make them a dominant invertebrate in cold mountain headwaters.
CrustaceanFreshwaterBenthic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Aquatic Insect Larvae
- Detritus
- Aquatic Vegetation
Predators
- Smallmouth Bass
- Raccoons
- Great Blue Herons
ThreatsInvasive crayfish species, stream siltation, water pollution
HabitatsFast-flowing rocky streams, stony river beds, cold headwaters
Life span3–5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCambaridae
- SpeciesCambarus robustus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of delivering a painful pinch with large claws; observe without handling directly.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with powerful pincers capable of delivering a painful pinch if pinched or mishandled.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by a dark olive-green carapace and broad, heavy pincers covered in rough bumps and spines.
- What to do
- Observe quietly in stream bed; if moving for inspection, grip gently behind the pincers on the carapace.
Responsible observation
- Finding them: Turn over flat submerged stones in clear, swift currents during daytime.
- Handling caution: Keep hands clear of the large front pincers to prevent a hard pinch.
- Habitat care: Always return overturned rocks to their original placement to preserve microhabitats.
Invasive Competitor (c) Kristof Zyskowski, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kristof Zyskowski · cc-by
Predator USFWS Mountain Prairie / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative Smithsonian Environmental Research Center / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.