Official Site of The State of New Jersey
New Jersey is home to 4 species of documented native Crayfish. Little is known about these species and accidental introductions of species not native to NJ but native to other portions of the United States have lead to many populations of introduced Crayfish in NJ.
Native NJ Crayfish:
Common Crayfish – Cambarus bartonii
Devil Crayfish – Cambarus diogenes
Spinycheek Crayfish – Orconectes limosus
White River Crawfish – Procambarus actus
Introduced NJ Crayfish:
Rusty Crayfish – Orconectes rusticus
Virile Crayfish – Orconectes virilis
Red Swamp Crayfish – Procambarus clarkia
Fairy Shrimp
In New Jersey there are three documented species of Fairy Shrimp with one of them listed as a species of Special Concern. These tiny crustaceans live in small vernal pools and ponds, ditches, and other aquatic habitats.
Special Concern:
Eastern Fairy Shrimp – Eubranchipus holmanii
Unlisted/Common species:
Springtime Fairy Shrimp – Eubranchipus vernalis
Spinytail Fairy Shrimp – Streptocephalus sealii
Clam Shrimp
In New Jersey, Clam Shrimp present a unique situation for research and conservation. Until recently there was only one know occurrence of Cyzicus gynecia found in the New Jersey Meadowlands. During recent years, new occurrences and populations of Cyzicus mexicanus have been discovered in Middlesex County and other populations, that have not been identified to species, have been reported in Cape May and Burlington Counties. Whether these new populations represent a range expansion or just previously undiscovered populations is yet to be determined. These species are poorly understood and difficult to identify and more research is necessary to better understand their distribution and life history in New Jersey. These species are often found in small vernal pools and puddles.
