Distributional Survey of Crayfish (Crustacea: Decapoda) in Wadeable Streams in the Coastal Plains of Southeastern Alabama

• Published in: Southeastern naturalist (Steuben, Me.) Me.), 2010-01, Vol.9 (sp3), p.139-154
• Main Authors: Heath, William H., Stewart, Paul M., Simon, Thomas P., Miller, Jonathan M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cambaridae; Cambarus; Cambarus graysoni; Decapoda; Freshwater; Marine; Procambarus acutus; Procambarus suttkusi; Procambarus versutus
• ISSN: 1528-7092; 1938-5412
• DOI: 10.1656/058.009.s317

Alabama has at least 83 species of native crayfish reported, more than any other state in the United States. Information associated with crayfish distribution, life history, and ecological importance in Alabama is extremely limited. The objective of this research is to determine the presence and relative abundance of crayfish species in the southeastern coastal plain of Alabama. Crayfish were collected at 50 sites within the Choctawhatchee River, Pea River, Yellow River, and Patsaliga Creek watersheds by electrofishing and hand excavation. Twelve crayfish taxa were collected, with 10 successfully identified to species. Procambarus suttkusi (Choctawhatchee Crayfish) was found at 40 sites and was the most widespread and abundant of the aquatic species. Procambarus versutus (Sly Crayfish) and Cambarus graysoni (Twospot Crayfish) were also found to be common aquatic species. Cambarus (Tubericambarus) sp. B was the most abundant primary burrower, and C. (Lacunicambarus) sp. B was a common burrower. Species with less than 10 individuals collected were considered rare and were as follows: Procambarus acutus (White River Crawfish), P. okaloosae (Okaloosa Crayfish), C. latimanus (Variable Crayfish), C. ludovicianus (Painted Devil Crayfish), and C. striatus (Ambiguous Crayfish).