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American Signal Crayfish


Found throughout England, these 15cm long beasts are aggressive, breed faster than the native species, and damage banks with their burrowing.

Their population has been thriving since they were brought to England as fashionable seafood, which is unfortunate for the docile White-Clawed crayfish native to Britain.

They have been depleting in numbers over the last 30 years as a result and are now a protected species. The American Signal also carry a fungal disease called ‘crayfish plague’, which is harmful to our native species, and can be spread by peoples’ wet footwear and equipment.

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Last updated: 22/10/2008