Fauna
Invertebrate

Northern Clearwater Crayfish

Faxonius propinquus

Also known as Clearwater Crayfish

Northern clearwater crayfish inhabit cool, well-oxygenated streams and rocky lake shores across eastern North America. These freshwater crustaceans hide under flat stones by day and venture out at night to scavenge for organic debris and hunt small aquatic invertebrates. Their dark midline carapace stripe and stout claws help distinguish them from neighboring native crayfish species.

AquaticFreshwaterNocturnal
Northern Clearwater Crayfish reference1 / 7
(c) Cole Wolf, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAquatic Insects, Snails, Algae
Predators
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Raccoons
  • Great Blue Herons
ThreatsDisplacement by invasive rusty crayfish and aquatic habitat degradation
HabitatsClear streams, rivers, and rocky lake margins with abundant hiding crevices
Life span3–4 years
Classification
  1. FamilyCambaridae
  2. SpeciesFaxonius propinquus
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
Pinchers can deliver a sharp pinch if grabbed; handle gently behind the claws if raised.
Why it is dangerous
Large claws can pinch forcefully enough to break skin or cause painful bruising.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a dark reddish brown body with a distinct dark stripe down the carapace center.
What to do
Never grab from the front: lift gently by grasping the carapace sides behind the claws.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting: Gently tilt submerged flat rocks in clear shallow streams during summer.
  • Night Searching: Scan rocky shorelines with a flashlight after dusk to see them actively foraging.
  • Safe Handling: Grasp firmly but gently on the sides of the carapace behind the claws.
Related species
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