Red Swamp Crayfish | FishOnline | The in-depth guide to sustainable seafood

Common name - Red Swamp Crayfish

Scientific name - Procambarus clarkii

Rating

Farmed

Production method Extensive ponds and rice paddy

Production country US Southern states

Production area All

Summary

The US Southern States are a large producer of crawfish, most of which is farmed for domestic consumption. It is a naturally occurring wild species whose stock status is stable; however as crawfish brood their young, farming does not require their collection from the wild. Farms are usually sited in areas of low sensitivity and the production of crawfish does not require chemical or feed inputs. US farmed red swamp crayfish is a sustainable farmed seafood choice.

Biology

A member of the Cambaridae family, the red swamp crawfish is commonly found in warm, fresh water. This is considered to be an ecologically plastic species, as it can grow quickly even in areas with dry periods lasting up to four months. The average lifespan is five years, and in this time weights of over 50g and lengths of 5 to 12cm can be reached. This is an omnivorous species feeding on insects, larvae and detritus. Sexually mature from 6cm, the females dig burrows to lay their eggs in and will protect the young for eight weeks. Recent research suggests that the females may be able to reproduce through parthenogenesis.

Production Information

Red swamp crayfish are farmed in agricultural ponds or in rotation with a crop, usually rice. After harvesting the crop, the land is flooded to create a pond in which the crayfish grow. They feed on naturally occurring food and therefore require no feed input.

Alternatives

(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)

Prawn, king (whiteleg)
Prawn, tiger
Red Swamp Crayfish

Read what the consumer pages of the Good Fish Guide say about this species.