Missouri Animals Golden crayfish   (Orconectes luteus) Arthropoda: Crustaceans: Decapods Native North American arthropod Habitat: rivers, streams Diet: algae, fish, dead organisms ID Features: dark cross bands on carapace, claws tipped in red color, red color on joints of segments Natural History: The golden crayfish is found in clear Ozark streams. It reaches 3.5 inches in length. It is nocturnal and found during the day by lifting rocks to reveal its hiding place. It is Missouri's most widely distributed crayfish.

The graphics, text, and sound are from: Missouri Conservationist, April, 1987, page 27 MDC Copyright Notice Copyright © Missouri Conservation Commission. All rights reserved.