White river crayfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White river crayfish |
|
|---|---|
_0266_(26409283398).jpg) |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Procambarus
|
| Species: |
acutus
|
The white river crayfish, known scientifically as Procambarus acutus, is a type of crayfish. It belongs to the Cambaridae family, which includes many freshwater crustaceans. You can find this crayfish in both North America and parts of Europe.
Scientists check on how many of these animals are left in the wild. For the white river crayfish, their conservation status is "Least Concern." This means there are plenty of them, and they are not in danger of disappearing anytime soon. This status was last checked in 2010.
Contents
Types of White River Crayfish
Just like there can be different types of dogs, there are also different types of white river crayfish. These are called subspecies. Two main subspecies belong to Procambarus acutus:
- Procambarus acutus acutus (also called the white river crayfish)
- Procambarus acutus cuevachicae
Where White River Crayfish Live
Crayfish can live in many different places. Some places are where they naturally come from, and other places are where they have been introduced by people.
Native Homes
The white river crayfish is originally from certain parts of the United States. They live along the Atlantic coast, from Maine all the way down to Georgia. You can also find them in Canada. They also live in areas around the Great Lakes, like southern Wisconsin and Michigan. Their native home stretches through states like Kentucky and Missouri, reaching western Texas and the Florida panhandle.
New Homes Around the World
Over time, the white river crayfish has moved beyond its original homes. It can now be found in most of the Continental US. This means they have spread to many new states.
These crayfish have also been found in other countries. They live in Egypt, Great Britain, and the Netherlands. Scientists are still studying if they are settling down and spreading a lot in these new places. Sometimes, when a species moves to a new area, it can become "invasive." This means it might cause problems for the local plants and animals.
In 2019, the white river crayfish was found in Belgium for the first time. Specifically, the P. a. acutus subspecies was seen there. This was the fourth time this crayfish was confirmed outside of the US. Even though it has spread in other places, scientists are still watching to see if it will become invasive in Belgium.
