Monster cave crawfish

[caveman21]

I've been meaning to bring up something that I saw a couple of weekends ago while diving. I have seen hundreds of albino crawfish in the time I have been caving and all of them have been between 1 and 2 inches long. This one in particular was 3-1/2 inches long, not including pinchers, and was a little under an inch across the carpace at the tail. Dimensions were not estimated but measured. The crawfish was thick and vigorous, and appeared very healthy. It's appearance was slightly different than others I have seen, with long, thick claws and raised spikes on its back, not the small claws and smooth bodies that they usually have. It was opaque white without a hint of eyes. After spending a couple of quality minutes measuring and inspecting it, I released it.

My understanding of cave crawfish is that they have extremely slow metabolisms due to the lack of nutrients in the cave and can reach old ages, growing very slowly. The system that I found this one in has a lot of groundwater influx from sinkholes in the area, so the nutrient content could be responsible for the abnormally large size of this crawfish. The other crawfish I have seen in this area were all normal size and appearance, this one being strange.

Has anyone else ran into monster crawfish before?

Ron White

[Cindy]

Mill Creek Sink has some huge crayfish. It also has a lot of ground water intrusion from sinks. Try calling Tom Morris, he would be happy to know where yours are and can give you more information.

[Gregthecaver]

I've been meaning to bring up something that I saw a couple of weekends ago while diving. I have seen hundreds of albino crawfish in the time I have been caving and all of them have been between 1 and 2 inches long. This one in particular was 3-1/2 inches long, not including pinchers, and was a little under an inch across the carpace at the tail. Dimensions were not estimated but measured. The crawfish was thick and vigorous, and appeared very healthy. It's appearance was slightly different than others I have seen, with long, thick claws and raised spikes on its back, not the small claws and smooth bodies that they usually have. It was opaque white without a hint of eyes. After spending a couple of quality minutes measuring and inspecting it, I released it.

My understanding of cave crawfish is that they have extremely slow metabolisms due to the lack of nutrients in the cave and can reach old ages, growing very slowly. The system that I found this one in has a lot of groundwater influx from sinkholes in the area, so the nutrient content could be responsible for the abnormally large size of this crawfish. The other crawfish I have seen in this area were all normal size and appearance, this one being strange.

Has anyone else ran into monster crawfish before?

Ron White


There used to be a monster crayfish in the crevices of the Eye at Ginnie about about 7 years ago or so. I used to harrass it during my 10 foot stop hehe.Havent seen it latley though so I dont know if he is still there probably about 4 or 5 inches long in the body.He was huge

[Ken Hill]

I know the one you are referring to that could be found in the "Eye." Glad to have another witness to my "tall tale." I have also observed overly large albino crawfish in the basin at Wekiva. Tom Morris is the man to ask and he would probably appreciate a report from you. /Ken

[caveman21]

Someone PM me with Tom Morris's contact info, please.

[Ken Hill]

Telno sent PM. /Ken

[sdenney]

I recently did the Grand Traverse at Peacock and saw an albino crayfish about 4 inches long, with pinchers readied to attack mode. I tried grabbing him, but he was too quick.

On another dive at Ginnie (a couple weeks ago), I exited deco and swam up the run to exit at Little Devils. There was a giant crayfish about 7 inches long. He looked more like a miniature lobster than a crayfish.

[Webmaster]

Not all white crayfish are the cave adapted species.

I have seen cave crayfish here in TN quite large, 4" is not unusual. The largest I ever saw had to be around 10-11". I almost stepped on the thing walking across some breakdown in a stream passage when I looked down. Scared the crap out of me for a second. You don't expect to see something that size normally. ;-)

We have seen a number of locations as well where you have a great deal of crayfish, apparently mixing surface and cave adapted species freely.