red crayfish info

https://srac.tamu.edu/index.cfm/getFactSheet/whichfactsheet/195/

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The life cycle of this burrowing crawfish is well suited to the annual sequence of spring flooding and summer dry period common to large river systems and floodplains in the southern usa where it is most abundant.

Mature animals mate in open water, and although spawning can take place in open water, the burrow provides protection while the eggs and offspring are attached to the abdomen. burrowing activity for reproduction can occur at any time of the year but it is most prevalent in late spring/early summer in the south. egg development in mature females usually begins prior to burrowing and maturity is completed in the burrow. at maturity, the eggs are expelled through the oviducts, fertilized externally with sperm that has been stored in the seminal receptacle, and are then attached to the swimmerets on the tail (abdomen). although crawfish can survive in a high humid environment within the burrow, standing water is necessary for spawning. the number of eggs laid varies with size and condition of the female and will usually range from 200 to 500 eggs.

Hatchlings remain attached to the female's swimmerets through two moults, after which they become free and can forage on their own. it is a fast-growing species; in adequate conditions larvae are born after 21 days of incubation (5 mm long at 2 days), growing to 2 cm one month later and up to 80 mm of length in 3 months. it is an eurythermal species (10-22 ºc to >30 ºC) and inhabits all types of water, with a preference for hard water - See more at: http://www.thefishsite.com/articles/956/cultured-aquatic-species-red-swamp-crawfish#sthash.najJbC0d.dpuf

http://www.thefishsite.com/articles/956/cultured-aquatic-species-red-swamp-crawfish