Marbled crayfish

Procambarus virginalis

Marbled Crayfish

  • No natural populations of the species are known.
  • Wild populations are caused by releases of crayfish formerly kept in aquaria.
  • They reach sexual maturity after 5-7 months. The incubation time for eggs is 20-45 days.
  • Its reproductive cycle is faster compared to other crayfish species.
  • It is the only crayfish solely reproducing through parthenogenesis.
  • The eggs of females can develop into offspring without fertilisation by sperm.
  • Offspring are genetically identical to the parent.
  • It is related to the slough crayfish, Procambarus fallax, which is native in the USA.
  • It is an invasive species in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
  • It was a popular pet species, but its trade is now illegal in the EU.