Did you know crayfish can also be blue? A long-term search for the rare and colorful blue crayfish in Ohio officially ended last month. The first blue crayfish was spotted in Monroe County this May, making it a newly documented species in the Buckeye State. This rare discovery took place in eastern Ohio after researchers spent years studying and searching.

Unless you've lived out of state, you might not have even known that these freshwater crustaceans can be blue. The first blue crayfish spotted in Ohio was discovered in May of 2020 in Monroe County.
Jason Pratt/Flickr
It's likely the rarest species in Ohio—and it's definitely the most colorful.
You may have spotted these unusual creatures in or near water in Ohio before. Crayfish resemble miniature lobsters, so spotting one can be alarming if you're not used to seeing them.
Ohio Sea Grant/Flickr
They're also known as crawfish, crawdads, freshwater lobsters, mountain lobsters, mudbugs, or yabbies—depending on where you're from.

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The blue crayfish has been documented in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
Deb Deppeler/Flickr
Wildlife experts and researchers considered the Ohio River a barrier to their migration here, so this rare species may have came to the Buckeye State before the Continental Glaciation, (approximately 2 million years ago!).
It's most common to find crayfish in creeks, streams or ditches of fresh water. Blue crayfish, however, are sensitive to changes in groundwater and live in hillside springs.
Kyle Hartshorn/Flickr
In other words, you likely aren't going to spot a blue crayfish in your backyard or in your local creek.
Currently, it's unclear just how large the blue crayfish population in Ohio is. (But if you are lucky enough to spot one, be sure to contact the Ohio Division of Wildlife.)
Steve Hardwood/Flickr

Have you ever spotted crayfish in Ohio? How about a blue one? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!

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