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Procambarus acutus (Girard, 1852)
White River Crawfish
Federal Protection: No US federal protection
State Protection: No Georgia state protection
Global Rank: G5
State Rank: S5
Element Locations Tracked in Biotics: No
SWAP High Priority Species (SGCN): No
Element Occurrences (EOs) in Georgia: 0
Habitat Summary for element in Georgia: Open waters of ditches, swampy areas, flowing streams; burrow complexes adjacent to these habitats
The overall color of the White River Crawfish is pinkish tan to brownish-olive with a broad dark stripe along the abdomen. The claws are slender and delicate in appearance and have small dark tubercles. The areola is fairly narrow, but never obliterated. The rostrum typically tapers, but occasionally has marginal tubercles or spines and there is a single small cervical spine or tubercle. This species reaches a maximum total body length of over 100 mm (>4 in).
Almost all of the species of Procambarus more slender and delicate looking claws than any Cambarus species. The White River Crawfish differs from all of the other Procambarus with which it occurs (except Eastern Red Swamp Crawfish), by having a plain body coloration and a dark stripe down the abdomen. The Eastern Red Swamp Crawfish has orangish-red tubercles on the claws rather than dark tubercles exhibited by the White River Crawfish.
The White River Crawfish is found in open water of flowing streams, ditches, and swampy areas, as well as burrow complexes along the banks of streams or in low wet areas.
No studies of the White River Crawfish are known from the eastern portion if its range (Hobbs 1981). Crayfishes are considered opportunistic omnivores and likely feed on live and decaying vegetation, aquatic insect larvae, small fishes, and dead animal matter.
White River Crawfish is considered a secondary burrower which means that individuals live in open water part of the time but retreat to burrows as water levels decrease. As with stream dwelling species, reproduction likely occurs during the spring and fall, but males in reproductive condition may be found at any time during the year. When female crayfish are ready to lay eggs, they usually find a secure hiding place and hence are rarely encountered. In the case of secondary burrowers, females probably use burrows when they release their eggs. After the eggs are released, the female attaches them to her swimmerets and is said to be “in berry.” Upon hatching, the juvenile crayfish are attached to the mother by a thread. After the juveniles molt for the second time, they are free of the mother, but stay close and will hold on to her for some time. Eventually they move off on their own. Crayfishes molt 6 or 7 times during their first year of life and most are probably able to reproduce by the end of that year. They molt once or twice a year for the remainder of their lives and live about 3 years. Few data are available for this species in Georgia. Male White River Crawfish in reproductive condition have been collected in April and August within the state; however, considering the surrounding states, reproductive males have been found every month of the year (Hobbs 1981). Hobbs (1981) also reported that despite the collection of hundreds of female specimens in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, he never saw one carrying eggs, and only a single one with young was found in Alabama in September. Thus, the females likely retreat to burrows to release eggs and rear young. The smallest breeding male known is about 72 mm (2.8 in) in length (Hobbs 1981).
This species may be collected by dipnetting or kicking into a seine, using a backpack electroshocker or by excavating burrows. It will most likely be found associated with vegetation or undercut banks. It has also been collected using baited minnow traps.
The White River Crawfish is widespread across the eastern and middle United States, south to Mexico (Hobbs 1989). In Georgia is it native to the central-eastern portion of the state north of the Altamaha River. The most northerly populations are in the Broad River system (Savannah tributary). They were introduced to the Warm Spring National Fish Hatchery in Meriwether County, GA (Flint River system) and possibly into the St. Mary’s River system (Hobbs 1981). There is also anecdotal evidence of a population in the Etowah River system in Bartow County.
Heavy sedimentation resulting from poor development and land management practices may cover substrates and other daytime hiding places on which crayfishes rely to avoid predation. The introduction of non-native crayfishes is a threat to all native crayfishes.
This species common and widespread and is apparently stable in Georgia.
General watershed level protection measures will help secure the continued existence of the White River Crawfish in Georgia. These include the protection of riparian zones, control of sediment and nutrient runoff from farms and construction sites, and limiting the amount of impervious cover (e.g., pavement) within occupied watersheds. Non-native crayfishes should never be used for bait. Instead, anglers should use crayfishes collected from the river system they will be fishing in and should never release unused bait crayfish back into Georgia waters.
Hobbs, H.H., Jr. 1981. The crayfishes of Georgia. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology 318:1–549.
Hobbs, H.H., Jr. 1989. An illustrated checklist of the American crayfishes (Decapoda: Astacidae, Cambaridae, and Parastacidae). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology 480:1–236.
Taylor, C.A., G.A. Schuster, J.E. Cooper, R.J. DiStefano, A.G. Eversole, P. Hamr, H.H. Hobbs III, H.W. Robison, C.E. Skelton, and R.F. Thoma. 2007. A reassessment of the conservation status of crayfishes of the United States and Canada after 10+ years of increased awareness. Fisheries 32:372–389.
Christopher E. Skelton
C. Skelton, 2012: original account
C. Skelton, March 2019: general update of account.
D.Weiler, September 2019: photo added