P. virginalis is typically less than 10cm, but can be up to 13cm. It has narrow pincers, and brown or green mottling on the shell. Marbled crayfish released in the wild have darker mottling, while bred individuals have lighter mottling.
Usually less than 10 cm, but can be up to 13cm. Narrow, claw-like pincers. Brown or green mottling on the shell, which is darker on animals released to the wild and lighter on bred/captive animals.
P. virginalis can live in ponds, streams, lakes, and rivers. It is adaptable to strong or weak currents. Their ideal water temperature is approximately 20°C (68°F), but it can adapt to cooler temperatures. P. virginalis can survive out of water for up to 3 days. This species has the potential to outcompete native species for food and space, which can alter food webs and negatively impact biodiversity. Additionally, they have the potential to spread disease. There are reports of negative impacts to the fishing industry in Madagascar, potentially as a result of Marbled Crayfish predating on young, small fish. It is possible that similar impacts could result from the introduction to ecosystems in Canada. P. virginalis could also impact natural waterways and agricultural infrastructure by burrowing in riverbanks or irrigation canals and ditches, and causing erosion.
Marbled crayfish are a Wild marbled crayfish have not yet been detected in North America. However, they are available for sale as food, live bait, and aquarium pets.
This species is thought to have originated through breeding in captivity, and they are therefore not native to any region. This laboratory engineered crayfish is parthenogenetic, which means that the species are all females, without a need for males to reproduce.
Never release any captive animal to the wild. If you are no longer able to care for your animal, consider rehoming it, returning it to the retailer from which it was purchased, or humane euthanasia. Never release live bait into a waterbody and ensure all gear is clean and free of any unwanted debris and organisms prior to leaving and entering a waterbody. If you see any Marbled Crayfish in the wild, report it to NSISC, on iNaturalist, or to Fisheries and Oceans Canada.