Missouri Animals Saddlebacked crayfish   (Orconectes medius) Arthropoda: Crustaceans: Decapods Native North American arthropod Habitat: rivers, streams Diet: algae, fish, dead organisms ID Features: dark cross bands on carapace, light-colored abdomen Natural History: The saddlebacked 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 Meramec River and their tributaries.

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