Found throughout the South and in southern Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, and California.

HABITS:

Crayfish spend the summer months in burrows where reproduction occurs.

SPAWNING:

Water temperatures of 85 to 90 F sends crayfish into burrows for spawning.

GROWTH:

Young crayfish grow rapidly, shedding their shell about every 10 days. Adult crayfish grow slower shedding only 2-3 times each year.

USES:

Human Consumption

CULTURE:

Crayfish are usually cultured as part of a rice rotation. Adults are stocked once at a rate of 100 pounds per acre and initial harvest will be the following fall. After harvest in the Fall, Winter, and Spring the pond or field is slowly drained forcing the remaining crayfish into burrows for mating. This produces the young for the next harvest season. Restocking is usually not required.

REFERENCES:

Huner, J. V. and H.K. Dupree. 1984. Third Report to the Fish Farmers. pp 206-210.