Missouri Animals Big river crayfish   (Orconectes harrisoni) Arthropoda: Crustaceans: Decapods Native North American arthropod Habitat: rivers, streams Diet: algae, fish, dead organisms ID Features: dark cross bands on carapace, dark band just behind eyes Natural History: The Big River crayfish is found in clear Ozark streams. It reaches 2.5 inches in length. It is nocturnal and found during the day by lifting rocks to reveal its hiding place. It is only found in the Big River and its tributaries.

The graphics, text, and sound are from: Missouri Conservationist, April, 1987, page 28 MDC Copyright Notice Copyright © Missouri Conservation Commission. All rights reserved.