Abstract

During the mapping of fish, lamprey and crayfish distribution in Luxembourg 1996 and 1997, 268 sites were investigated. Crayfish were found in 10% (29 sites) of all investigated sites. Two non-native crayfish species, the spiny-cheek crayfish (Orconectes limosus) and the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) and one native species, the stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium) were found in reproductive populations. The noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) is known only from a re-introduction activity of the Forestry Commission of Luxembourg in the River Our. The spiny-cheek crayfish is widely distributed in the River Moselle, where it probably invaded from either the River Rhine (Germany) or from the upstream catchment of the Moselle (France). It also was introduced into the biggest reservoir, the Ober-Sauer-Stausee in the northwest. The signal crayfish is widespread in the smaller rivers of Luxembourg. It was found in 17 sites. The stone crayfish is very rare and almost extinct. In one of the two sites where it was found, it coexists with signal crayfish. The noble crayfish is extinct but a re-introduction programme has begun.

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