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While out bothering nature as is usual on a sunday afternoon with the girlfriend , we discovered a large freshwater crayfish lying dead in a stream leading to whelford pools. I was hoping it was something rather special like a white clawed crayfish, but I think it is in fact a signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), one of the species suspected of infecting our native crayfish with fungal and viral infections.

Take a look, and if anyone can confirm what species it actually is , I would me most grateful. In any case, for british inland waters its quite a beast at about 7 inches from claw to tail and worth a look.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a245/longhairedgit/IMG_3427.jpg

Nice shots, LHG. I have no idea what species it is, but I was just thinking how a bucket of them cooked up in a "Cajun" boil would probably make a mighty tasty snack.

Boy, now I'm getting hungry.

Jim

---

Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

LOL , I wouldnt have eaten him he was stinky ! Now photobucket is working better, heres a few more pics.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a245/longhairedgit/IMG_3425.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a245/longhairedgit/IMG_3431.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a245/longhairedgit/IMG_3429.jpg

Definitely a Signal Crayfish.

Back in the 70s these things were sold as pets. I had one.

They can grow to quite a size, yes. Here's a photo from the Shrimp, Crabs and Crayfish site.

Here is the main page - click on the buttons to go to the requisite creatures

Signal Crayfish are actually quite interesting creatures, but they don't belong in UK native waters. Wonder how many of them were dumped, unwanted pets?

I had mine for something like 4 years. Died when a moult went pear shaped.


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

Cheers cal, ive informed the owners and wardens of the nature reserve about the presence of these shrimp, they are working on a major dragonfly preservation effort, and they might want to do something about the presence of this non-indigenous species.

Im not sure if shrimp like that might predate on the dragonfly larvae , but just in case I thought id let them know. At the very least I assume they may want to try and get rid of them so whiteclawed shrimp have a chance to establish there, conditions are obviously conducive to the presence of shrimp.

Oh, if you can find specimens of the native British Crayfish to restock those waters with once the Signal Crayfish have been removed, then chances are the conservation people will welcome you - the native species is now officially on the endangered list and so ANY assistance offered in the conservation of the native Crayfish is likely to be a big plus point for you - could lead to you getting a nice well paid job in conservation who knows? (Assuming you haven't already got one of course ...)



Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

Gloucestershire wildlife trust mailed me back today complete with a nice pack full of funky nature helping advice and stuff. They also responded, with a nice (handwritten no less) note, telling me that they were grateful for the input, and that they will be on the case forthwith.

Wahey, nice people who actually give a rats buttocks. That doesnt happen often. Go Glos wildlife!

Do they do well paid jobs in conservation? lol.