Invertebrate
Spinycheek Crayfish
Faxonius limosusAlso known as Spiny-cheeked Crayfish, Kamberkrebs, Spiny Crayfish
Spinycheek crayfish thrive in murky streams, lakes, and slow-moving rivers where they hide under rocks and submerged logs during the day. Small sharp spines on the cheeks in front of the carapace groove and dark reddish-brown bands on the tail segments make them distinct. In Europe, where they were introduced in the late 19th century, they act as carriers for crayfish plague, severely impacting native European crayfish populations.
FreshwaterCrustaceanInvasive
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAquatic plants, Macroinvertebrates, Detritus
Predators
- Predatory fish
- Herons
- Otters
ThreatsLocal water pollution in native range; active eradication in Europe
HabitatsRivers, streams, lakes, ponds, reservoirs
Life span3–5 years
Classification
- OrderDecapoda
- FamilyCambaridae
- GenusFaxonius
- SpeciesFaxonius limosus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Large claws can deliver a sharp pinch; grasp carefully behind the carapace if handling.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Search shallow muddy margins and under flat stones after sunset.
- Handling: Hold firmly from behind the shell to stay clear of defensive claws.
- Biosecurity: Clean waders and equipment to prevent spreading aquatic disease.
European Native Dragon187 / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Invasive Competitor (c) Parsa Fard, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Kristof Zyskowski, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kristof Zyskowski · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Kent P. McFarland · cc0
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