Earlier this year, invasive organisms were collected from a Texas apartment complex pond. Wildlife experts say a female can lay up to 1,000 eggs at a time.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Researcher First Collected 3 Australian Red Crayfish In January and February, according to an August 11 news release from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. They were found in a pond leading to Resaca in the Brownsville area, a type of crescent lake.
This was the second location in the United States that this species, also found in California, was found.
A female crayfish and several of her cubs were found at the same site, experts said. Identify with iNaturalist In 2013, it “indicates that this species has been present at this location for some time.”
When Texas aquatic biologists began surveying the area in July, they found three more Australian red crayfish between Pond and Resaca, about two miles away.
“We do not know when these invasive crayfish were first introduced or how far they have spread, but we do know that they can have a negative impact on local species and biodiversity,” says Archis Grubh. said in a news release. “By disseminating information about this invasive species and reporting sightings to his TPWD, we can better understand where this species is distributed and take steps to prevent its spread.”
Species can be identified by their “Large, large left claw” They have red spots on the outer edge and four distinct ridges on the crown.” Officials say they prefer slow-moving streams and stagnant water and can move between bodies of water.
Authorities have found both males and females, raising concerns about breeding in the area. A female lays up to 5 times a year and at a time she lays 1,000 eggs.
“Australian Red Claw crayfish grow rapidly and can reach sizes of up to two pounds in less than a year,” officials said. “These large crayfish can significantly alter habitat and vegetation, competitively eliminate native crayfish, and impact native fish communities through direct predation. Australian Redclaw Crayfish can also carry the crayfish plague, as well as other parasites and diseases that can affect native crayfish.”
It is illegal to buy, sell, possess or release Australian red crayfish in Texas.
If found, you will be asked to email a photo and location to [email protected]
Brownsville, in southern Texas, is located in the western Gulf, across the border from Mexico.
A giant rodent native to South America landed in the Illinois River.fisherman killed
The ‘bright pink bubblegum’ pieces are actually apple snail eggs that invaded the Texas River
Fruit shipped at Texas border found to harbor rare and destructive pests, federal government says
An invasive snakehead caught in a Massachusetts reservoir.Kill these fish, officials say