Procambarus clarkii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Procambarus clarkii |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Subphylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: |
Cambaridae
|
| Genus: |
Procambarus
|
| Subgenus: |
Scapulicambarus
|
| Species: |
P. clarkii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852)
|
|
The Procambarus clarkii is a type of freshwater crayfish. It is also known as the red swamp crayfish, Louisiana crawfish, or mudbug. These creatures are originally from northern Mexico and the southern United States. However, they have been moved to many other places around the world. In some new areas, they can become an invasive species, which means they spread quickly and can harm the local environment.
Contents
What Does the Red Swamp Crayfish Look Like?
The red swamp crayfish is usually a dark red color. It has long claws and a long head. On the sides of its body, just below its head, it has very small or no spines. You can also see rows of bright red bumps on the front and sides of its first leg.
Where Do Red Swamp Crayfish Live?
The red swamp crayfish naturally lives in northern Mexico and parts of the United States. This includes areas from New Mexico, across the Gulf Coast states, and up the Mississippi River basin.
However, people have moved these crayfish to many other countries. You can now find them in parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, and other places in the Americas. Sometimes, they were moved on purpose. For example, in Kenya, they were used to try and control snails that cause a disease. In other places, they might have spread by accident, like when anglers used them as bait and they escaped.
In southern Europe, these crayfish are spreading fast. They are taking over areas where native crayfish used to live.
How Do Red Swamp Crayfish Live?
Red swamp crayfish usually live in warm, fresh water. This includes slow-moving rivers, marshes, and even rice fields. They are very good at adapting to different environments. They can grow quickly even in water that is only there for part of the year. They can survive dry periods for up to four months.
These crayfish grow fast and can become quite large. They can weigh more than 50 grams (about 1.8 ounces) and be 5.5 to 12 centimeters (about 2 to 4.7 inches) long. Unlike most crayfish, they can also live in slightly salty water. They can even survive when there is not much oxygen in the water. The average lifespan of a red swamp crayfish is about five years, but some can live for over six years in the wild.
The way these crayfish dig can cause problems. Their burrows can damage water channels and harm crops, especially rice. When they eat, they can also upset the balance of local ecosystems. They might out-compete native crayfish for food and space. They can also carry diseases, like a fungus that causes "crayfish plague," which is very harmful to other crayfish species. Their digging can also threaten structures like levees.
Why Are Red Swamp Crayfish Important to People?
Red swamp crayfish are very important for food. Most of the crayfish caught in the United States are this species. Crayfish farming started in Louisiana in the 1700s. Farmers often raise crayfish in rice fields, sometimes at the same time they grow rice. This way, they use the land and resources very efficiently.
However, in recent years, less crayfish are being produced in the U.S. This is because more crayfish are being imported from China. China is now the world's biggest producer of crayfish. They also use a rice-based farming system.
Red swamp crayfish are also sold by companies for teaching and research. You can even find them in pet stores. They come in different colors like white, blue, and orange.
Sometimes, these crayfish can cause economic problems. In Portugal, they caused a small decrease in profits for rice farmers. However, farmers can avoid these problems by keeping adult crayfish away from young rice plants.
Red Swamp Crayfish as Food
People eat red swamp crayfish in many parts of the world. This includes the United States, Cambodia, Europe, China, and Australia. In the United States, about 98% of the crayfish harvested come from Louisiana. There, they are often called "crawfish" or "crawdaddy."
In 1990, Louisiana produced 90% of the world's crawfish. They also ate 70% of what they produced right there in Louisiana!
Louisiana crawfish are usually boiled in a big pot. They are cooked with lots of seasoning, like salt, cayenne pepper, lemon, garlic, and bay leaves. Other foods like potatoes and corn on the cob are often added too. There are many different ways to season them, and everyone has their favorite recipe. These meals are usually served at a fun gathering called a "crawfish boil."
Reproduction of Red Swamp Crayfish
Red swamp crayfish usually reproduce by having a male and female mate. However, some studies suggest they might also be able to reproduce without a mate, which is called parthenogenesis. They can reproduce throughout the entire year.
See also
In Spanish: Cangrejo rojo americano para niños
