The rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) comes from streams in the Ohio River basin states of Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana and Tennessee. It is suspected that the species was transported via bait bucket by transient anglers who used them as bait while fishing. Today, rusty crayfish are also found in Wisconsin and surrounding states, the northeastern states, New Mexico and many areas in Ontario, Canada. In the areas they inhabit, the rusty crayfish have dominated the native crayfish by taking over their habitat and natural forage at alarming rates.
OverviewOther names for this animal
- Common names: rusty crayfish
- Scientific names: Orconectes rusticus
Outside their home range, rusty crayfish are likely to displace native crayfish and reduce aquatic plant abundance and diversity. In some northern Wisconsin lakes, it has eaten most of the aquatic plants, hurting the quality of the lakes. Aquatic plants provide important habitat for fish and other aquatic animals, as well as prevent erosion. By damaging underwater habitat, fish also lose their spawning areas, protective cover and food. Fish that normally eat crayfish don't like the feisty, aggressive "rusty." It takes over the homes of native crayfish and has been known to eat fish eggs. Rusty crayfish reproduce quickly and females lay from 80-575 eggs.
Classification in Wisconsin: Restricted
Species Assessment Groups (SAG) were assembled to recommend a legal classification for each species considered for NR 40. The recommendation for Rusty Crayfish was based upon this literature review developed by the department.
This crayfish measures two and one-half inches (not including claws) in length. Look for their large claws with black bands on the tips and dark, rusty spots on each side of their carapace (hard outer body covering). Their claws are grayish-green to reddish-brown and smoother than most other crayfish. The rusty spots may not always be present or well developed on rusty crayfish from some waters.
See the reported Wisconsin locations of this species on the Aquatic Species Tracking pages.
Do you know of additional populations? Send us a report.
Mechanical: Intensive harvest will not eradicate crayfish, but may help reduce adult populations and minimize some impacts. The best method of control, however, is to prevent their introduction. 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.
Chemical: Although there are chemicals that will kill crayfish, no chemicals are available to eradicate only rusty crayfish.Prevention steps
- Inspect and remove aquatic plants, animals and mud from the boat and equipment before leaving the boat launch.
- Drain water from your boat and equipment before leaving the boat launch.
- Throw away unwanted bait in the trash.
- Spray or rinse your boat and equipment with high pressure and/or hot tap water, especially if moored for more than a day. Or dry your boat and equipment completely for at least five days.
- Do NOT use crayfish as bait. It is against the law in Wisconsin.