Pacifastacus leniusculus
| Scientific name | Pacifastacus leniusculus |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Dana |
| Year of description | 1852 |
| IUCN category (World) | LC |
| Family | Astacidae |
| Genus | Pacifastacus |
Introduction
Pacifastacus leniusculus is a fresh water crustacea.
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Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size6 cm
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Maximum size15.9 cm
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Average size6 cm
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Maximum size15.9 cm
How to recognize this crustacea ?
Pacifastacus leniusculus measures around 6 cm. The females are more imposing and some specimens can reach 15.9 cm. this crustacea is unicolore with a predominantly marron body.
Sexual dimorphism
The female is bigger than the male.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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Sociabilitysolitary
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territorialNo
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VenomousNo
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Way of livingnocturnal
Like all crustaceans, Pacifastacus leniusculus molts whenever it becomes cramped in its shell. Before the hardening of its new body, it is more vulnerable and spends a good part of its time hidden. This mechanism, very complex, allows the periodic renewal of the exoskeleton and part of the internal skeleton. It is also during the moult that the females become fertile.
Pacifastacus leniusculus is a crustacea solitary naturally found on the bottom. This species is omnivorous . this crustacea lives mainly at night. Usually, it leaves its hiding place and starts to be active once it gets dark.
Although Pacifastacus leniusculus is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare
Pacifastacus leniusculus is a crustacea ovipare. this crustacea protects its eggs from nearby predators.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Origin and distribution
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature5 - 26 °C
Biotope presentation
The acidification of water comes from the decomposition of plants. This phenomenon changes the color of the water, which tends to turn brown. In some areas particularly rich in organic matter, the water is so dark that it is called "black water".
Pacifastacus leniusculus is most often found at a depth between 0m and 20m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.
To go further
Species of the same family
white-clawed crayfish
Astacidae
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Adrien Falzon
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Scientific partners
Species of the same family
white-clawed crayfish
Astacidae