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Signal Crayfish
Pacifastacus leniusculus
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G5
State (S-rank): SNA
External links
Species range
Ranges from British Columbia to California; introduced into Europe and Japan (Hobbs, 1989). Pacifastacus leniculus has been introduced into many countries throughout Europe and California, Nevada and Utah in the USA. This species was introduced during the 1970s and 1980s, is widely cultivated and is established in the wild, from where it is harvested (Harlioglu and Holdich, 2001). Pacifastacus leniusculus leniusculus is distributed throughout British Columbia, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Pacifastacus leniusculus klamathensis is distributed throughout British Columbia in Canada, Idaho and south to central California in the USA. Pacifastacus leniusculus trowbridgii is distributed throughout British Columbia in Canada and California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington in the USA, and has been introduced into California and Nevada in the USA, and also introduced into Japan.
Habitat
Generally prefers cool water with current over rocky bottom; does not burrow; is highly adaptable and can be found in a wide variety of habitats including coastal and mountain streams and lakes, reservoirs, and the saline waters in river deltas (Hogger, 1988).
Reproductive characteristics
Lewis and Horton (1996) found for populations in Oregon that hatching began during the second week in April and eight age classes identified.
Threats or limiting factors
There are no known threats.
