Cambarus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cambarus: /kæmˈbærəs/

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Summary

Cambarus is a diverse genus of crayfish found primarily in the freshwater ecosystems of the United States and Canada, with a significant role in the food web and environmental health.

Physical Characteristics

Adults range in size from about 5 cm (2.0 in) to approximately 15 cm (5.9 in). Cambarus reach 17–26 mm (0.67–1.02 in) carapace lengths in their first year, while average adult carapace length ranges from 55–62 mm (2.2–2.4 in). The coloration is variable, including dark brown (Cambarus bartonii), vibrant blues and reds (Cambarus pauleyi), and light green or grayish in color.

Identification Tips

Male form I gonopod features two terminal elements forming ninety degree angles with the central appendage. The first pleopod typically has one or two processes instead of the three found in the genus Procambarus.

Habitat

Cambarus occupy various freshwater environments, including streams, rivers, lakes, and burrows, with some species being cave-dwellers.

Distribution

Most species are found in the United States and Canada, from New Brunswick to northern Florida, extending as far west as the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming and Colorado.

Diet

Diet is largely plant-based but includes small marine organisms like molluscs, larvae, tadpoles, amphibian eggs, and small rodents or birds when available.

Life Cycle

Cambarus undergo molting approximately 5-10 times in their first year and 3-5 times in subsequent years, continuing to grow into adulthood.

Reproduction

Cambarus typically mate in the early spring. Species such as Cambarus bartonii and Cambarus robustus mate once during their three-year life span, with fewer eggs than species in the genus Orconectes.

Conservation Status

Includes a sizable number of vulnerable species, particularly cave-dwelling varieties like Cambarus jonesi, which are at risk due to low genetic diversity and population count; species like Cambarus veteranus are threatened by human activities.

Ecosystem Role

Central to many freshwater food webs; contribute to maintaining water quality through the consumption of algae.

Evolution

The genus Cambarus was formerly divided among 12 subgenera, which have since been eliminated due to lack of phylogenetic validity as per a 2017 study.

Similar Taxa

• Procambarus

Tags

• Cambarus
• crayfish
• freshwater
• ecology