Rusty crayfish are a prohibited species in New York State – for more information on Prohibited and Regulated Species, visit. Rusty crayfish were introduced to New York through aquarium releases and use as bait. ![]() It is suspected that the species was transported via bait bucket by transient anglers who used them as bait while fishing. Educating anglers, crayfish trappers, bait dealers, and teachers about the threats posed by rusty crayfish will help reduce the risk of spreading rusty crayfish to new areas. The rusty crayfish ( Orconectes rusticus) comes from streams in the Ohio River basin states of Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana and Tennessee. The best method of control, however, is to prevent their introduction. Intensive harvest will not eradicate crayfish, but may help reduce adult populations and minimize some impacts. Many chemicals kill crayfish and some are even selective for crayfish however, none are currently registered for crayfish control and none selectively kill rusty crayfish without killing other crayfish species. If you find a rusty crayfish, or catch one in a trap, take a photo of it and either return it to the water or kill it. They can harm fish populations by eating fish eggs, reducing invertebrate prey, and through loss of habitat (aquatic plants). Rusty crayfish are 3-5 inches long, with a grayish-green body and easily-identifiable reddish fingerprint-like spots on each side of the body just in front of the tail. Rusty crayfish also reduce aquatic plant diversity by destroying the plants as they feed. ![]() They are associated with population declines of game fish such as bluegill, bass, and northern pike. They are a very aggressive species that often displace native crayfish. Rusty crayfish outcompete native crayfish for food and territory and reduce aquatic plant abundance and species diversity, which impacts the habitat for other crayfish and fish species. Rusty crayfish are opportunistic feeders. rusticus prefers cobble habitat, which allows it to hide if necessary. Clay, silt, sand, gravel and rock all serve as suitable bottom types however, O. Rusty crayfish inhabit lakes, ponds and streams, preferring areas with rocks, logs or other debris for shelter. ![]() The move-able claw is smooth and S-shaped. When closed, the claws have an oval gap in the middle. Rusty Crayfish Rusty crayfish have dark rusty-colored spots on each side of their back, about where you would grab them to pick them up. The claws are grayish-green to reddish-brown with dark black bands on the tips. It has larger, more robust claws than other members of the same genus. The rusty crayfish has a dark brown body, distinguishable by dark, rusty spots on either side of the carapace.
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