Species · GBIF taxon 8909595
Spinycheek Crayfish
Faxonius limosusAlso known as Kamberkrebs, Spiny-cheek Crayfish
Spinycheek crayfish are easily recognized by the prominent reddish-brown bands across their abdominal segments and the clusters of sharp spines on the sides of their cheeks. These highly adaptable crustaceans thrive in murky, slow-moving waters where they dig shallow burrows or hide beneath submerged logs and stones. In Europe, where they were introduced in the late nineteenth century, they act as vectors for the devastating crayfish plague, severely threatening native European crayfish populations.
FreshwaterInvasiveNocturnal
Licensed reference(c) Ewout Knoester, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Aquatic Insects
- Detritus
- Algae
Predators
- Largemouth Bass
- Herons
- Raccoons
ThreatsWater pollution and habitat degradation in its native range
HabitatsSlow-moving rivers, canals, lakes, and muddy-bottomed ponds
Life spanTypically 2 to 4 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCambaridae
- SpeciesFaxonius limosus
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 its claws; handle with care if necessary.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses strong claws capable of delivering a sharp pinch that can break the skin of careless handlers.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Identify by the dark red bands on the abdomen and the distinct spines on the cheeks.
- What to do
- Grasp the carapace firmly from behind the claws to prevent them from reaching your fingers.
Responsible observation
- Look under rocks: Search shallow, slow-moving water margins during the day by carefully lifting flat stones.
- Use a flashlight: Observe their active foraging behaviors along muddy banks after sunset.
- Prevent spread: Never transport live individuals between water bodies to avoid spreading crayfish plague.
Competitor (c) Parsa Fard, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Threatened Native Dragon187 / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Kristof Zyskowski, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kristof Zyskowski · cc-by
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