Reggie the Crayfish

Malham Tarn has been the home to a tank of Crayfish for a couple of years. The native species of British White claw crayfish have been in decline since the introduction of the American Signal Crayfish. The American signal Crayfish which is larger, stronger and more aggressive than the British crayfish can carry a Plague, of which the British specie has no resistance. The tanks at the Field Centre are part of a country wide scheme set up in 2000 as there was worry about the future of the White Claw species.

Reggie was one of the first crayfish to be in the tanks at the field centre. He was a bright blue, which is the rare effect of genetic phenomenon. Crayfish need to shed their skin in order to grow, and it was at this point in Reggie's life on the 18th Sepetember when he had shed his skin that two other crayfish in the tank took advantage and attacked Reggie which led to his sad demise.

The photos show the exoskeleton he had shed just before his death and Reggie in his prime.