First record of the non-indigenous crayfish, Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852), in Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract

We report first records of the cambarid crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) in Nova Scotia, Canada. This species is native to northern Mexico and the southern United States and has been introduced to all continents except Australia and Antarctica. An established population of P. clarkii was found concentrated in one area of Three Mile Lake, a small freshwater lake in Halifax County, which builds upon existing evidence that this “warm-water” species can establish in cold temperate regions. We discuss possible introduction mechanisms and impacts, as well as potential measures to better prevent and detect future invasions of freshwater species in Nova Scotia.