Astacus astacus

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Noble crayfish
French : Ecrevisse a pattes rouges

Classification
Class : Malacostraca
Order : Decapoda
Family : Astacidae
Notes : 2 subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach 15 cm in length for a weight up to 150 g. Large cephalothorax. Back is greenish to brown and belly is usually reddish. Visible saw-like crest on rostrum. Claws are large with a visible red dot at their opening.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in western and central Europe, from north-east France to Greece and western Ukraine, north to Scandinavia. Lives in rivers, lakes, ponds, shelters and reservoirs with lots of shelters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix II
Status : This species has declined because of water pollution, overharvesting, introduction of alien species. Targeted by reintroduction programs.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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