Signal Crayfish, also known as Crawdad and Crawfish, are a crustacean like their lobster cousins. They can be recognized by the distinctive white or blue-green spot on their claws. Crayfish feed on animals and plants, either living or decomposing and breathe through feather-like gills. Signal Crayfish are native to the Tualatin River and are common. Unfortunately, several species of invasive crayfish have been introduced to Oregon rivers.
Crayfish are commercially trapped in the Tualatin River for science. Tualatin hosted the annual Tualatin Crawfish Festival from 1951 to 2022 with a crawfish eating contest and colorful history. Click here for more information.
