The rusty crayfish can grow to be 4 inches long and can be identified by the rust-red spots on each side of its body. It has large smooth claws that range from grayish green to reddish brown. It is native to the Ohio River drainage but has been spread to other locations by anglers using it for fishing bait. These crayfish are very aggressive and after aquatic systems by displacing native species, destroying aquatic plant beds, and altering food chains.
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Where?
Freshwater lakes, ponds and streams.
Lookalike?
Yes, Rusty crayfish can generally be identified by their more robust claws, which are larger than most other freshwater crayfish and occasionally by the dark, rusty spots on each side of their body.
