Species Documented from Maine
This species list was developed by the Maine Aquatic Biodiversity Project, primarily from the data of M. Scott and W. Reid. Detailed species records, including sampling location, date and data source, are available in the main PEARL table: Crayfish Survey.
| Scientific Name |
Common Name |
Comments |
| Cambarus bartonii bartonii |
Appalachian brook crayfish |
Native. Primarily northern distribution in Maine. Appears to prefer cool, rocky bottomed streams, but is also found in littoral areas of lakes and ponds. |
| Orconectes limosus |
Spinycheek crayfish |
Native. South / central distribution in Maine. Prefers slow-moving water and lakes, with silt substrate. |
| Orconectes virilis |
Virile crayfish |
Native. Statewide. Prefers stream and lake habitats with rocky bottoms. Is also found in deep waters. |
| Orconectes immunis |
Calico crayfish |
Probably native, although may be introduced via bait (Martin 1997). Southern Maine distribution. Prefers stagnant water, with heavy plant growth. Herbivorous. |
| Orconectes obscurus |
Obscure crayfish |
Introduced. Southern Maine distribution. Prefers rocky streams and lake shores. |
| Orconectes rusticus |
Rusty crayfish |
Introduced. Southern Maine distribution. Inhabits a broad range of lotic and lentic environments. Can negatively impact the aquatic environment for other species, including fish, via reductions in aquatic vegetation. |
| Procambarus acutus acutus |
White river crayfish |
Introduced. Native range is the Atlantic coastal plain northward to Massachussets and the Mississippi basin. Distribution in Maine limited to the Downeast region; likely resulting from introduction by human(s). |
| Procambarus clarkii |
Red swamp crayfish |
Introduced. Recent new record for the state, probably introduced via the bait trade. Currently very limited distribution. |
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