Pacifastacus fortis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pacifastacus fortis
Conservation status
Critically Endangered (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Crustacea
Class:	Malacostraca
Order:	Decapoda
Family:	Astacidae
Genus:	Pacifastacus
Species:	P. fortis
Binomial name
Pacifastacus fortis (Faxon, 1914)
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The Shasta crayfish (also called Pacifastacus fortis) is a special type of crayfish. It is an endangered animal. This means there are very few left in the wild. This crayfish lives only in Shasta County, California. You can find it in small, separate areas of the Pit River and Fall River Mills.

What Does the Shasta Crayfish Look Like?

The Shasta crayfish is a strong, thick animal. It has fairly large claws, which are called chelae. Its back is usually dark brown. The underside of its body often has bright orange spots. This crayfish can grow to be about 2 to 4 inches long.

Where Does the Shasta Crayfish Live?

This crayfish likes to live in cold, clear rivers. It prefers rocky areas in mountain rivers. The Shasta crayfish eats the slimy coating found on rocks. It needs a steady flow of clean, fresh water to stay alive and healthy.

Why is the Shasta Crayfish in Danger?

The Shasta crayfish is listed as a critically endangered animal. This is the highest level of danger for a species. It is also protected under the Endangered Species Act. This law helps to save animals that are at risk.

Threats to the Shasta Crayfish

The Shasta crayfish has always lived in a very small area. Human activities have made this area even smaller. Building dams, mining, and farming have broken up its habitat. This makes it harder for the crayfish to survive.

Another big problem is the signal crayfish. This crayfish is a new species that was brought into the area. The signal crayfish is stronger and takes over the Shasta crayfish's living space. It also eats their food. To help protect the Shasta crayfish, the Pit River Fish Hatchery was closed.