Marbled Crayfish - The next alien invasion?

[Chiltern Chris]

Hi,

Just recieved the following info. about the next invasive crayfish. If you see any Garden or Aquatic Centre selling them, report them to Cefas (Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science) on on 01305206673 or e-mail Fish.Health.Inspectorate@Cefas.co.uk and they will take the appropriate legal action.

Marbled crayfish are a species that first appeared in the aquarium trade in Germany and Austria in the mid-1990s.

The marble crayfish (Procambarus sp.) is the first recorded decapod Crustacea capable of parthenogenesis (a form of asexual reproduction). An adult is capable of producing up to 270 eggs every 6–8 weeks (under optimal conditions) with sexual maturity being reached 25–35 weeks after hatching. This means that only one animal is required to establish a breeding population. Due to its huge energy requirements for reproduction this species is a voracious feeder and will consume almost anything.

Thought to be of North American origin it is likely that the Marbled crayfish is a vector of the crayfish plague – a fungal infection to which our native crayfish species is highly susceptible – although this has not been confirmed.

Wild populations of this species have already been confirmed in Germany and possibly Holland. Marbled crayfish can survive in temperate water and there is a concern that it will become established in the UK if released.

Recently Cefas (Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science) has become aware of an increase in the numbers of illegal crayfish for sale in aquatic outlets and garden centres. Of particular concern is the number of marbled crayfish being found.

It is illegal to keep any species of crayfish other than the tropical red-clawed crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) for ornamental purposes.

Due to its rapid rate of reproduction hobbyists are likely to either pass excess stock to other hobbyists, pet shops, or even to the wild.

We request that anyone holding marbled crayfish, or who may have information concerning the source of this species in the UK, please contact the Fish Health Inspectorate at Cefas on 01305206673 or e-mail us on Fish.Health.Inspectorate@Cefas.co.uk. It is imperative that this species is stopped from spreading into the wild.

Cheers,

Chris