White-clawed Crayfish
Austropotamobius pallipes
Here at Banham Zoo
Native to the UK, the white-clawed crayfish is a freshwater crustacean easily recognised by its bronze-colored body and pale white claws. Preferring shallow, slow-moving streams, these crayfish take shelter under rocks and crevices while foraging for food.
Sadly, their numbers have plummeted due to competition from the invasive North American signal crayfish. As part of our conservation efforts at Banham Zoo, we are working hard to restore their population and help protect this critically endangered species.
Where Do I Live?
Europe
White-clawed crayfish can be found throughout mainland Europe, Ireland and the UK. They can usually be found in clean, calcium-rich streams , but will not tolerate polluted water.
What Do I Eat?
Juvenile crayfish are carnivorous, feeding on aquatic invertebrates, but as they grow their diet changes to be mainly detritivores - eating dead organic matter such as plants.
How Do I Breed?
Females produce between 40 and 100 eggs which they carry under their abdomen until they hatch in the early summer. The hatchlings will stay with the females until they are a few weeks old.
Together, we protect wildlife
Conservation status
Endangered (EN)
High risk of extinction in the wild.
White-clawed crayfish are classed as endangered due to habitat loss and pollution, but also due to the introduction of the non-native signal crayfish which carries a disease fatal to the white-clawed crayfish Banham Zoo is working with the Norfolk Rivers Trust to safeguard these important keystone species from extinction in Norfolk.
Some Helpful Links
Where is the
White-clawed Crayfish
located?
Our
White-clawed Crayfish
is located in our
Zoo Central
, map reference
17
.
What’s the best time to see the animals?
The best time to see our animals is often during feeding times or in the cooler parts of the day when they are most active. Check our daily timetable for keeper talks and feeding sessions for an up-close look! Our habitat signage also includes helpful hints and tips to make the most of your visit.
How do you ensure the animals' welfare?
Animal welfare is our top priority. We provide species-specific habitats, enrichment activities, and expert veterinary care to ensure all our animals thrive.
