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Species that are not native and also have the potential to harm human health or to harm natural, agricultural or silvicultural resources can be listed as prohibited or restricted by the State of Michigan. If a species is prohibited or restricted, it is unlawful to possess, introduce, import, sell or offer that species for sale as a live organism, except under certain circumstances.
Chinese mitten crab
(Eriocheir sinensis)
The shell of the Chinese mitten crab can be as large as an adult's palm and has four spines on each side. Crabs are brownish-orange to greenish-brown, and their claws are covered with brown hair, resembling mittens.
Fishhook Waterflea
(Cercopagis pengoi)
Fishhook waterfleas are zooplankton (tiny animals) that feed on other zooplankton, decreasing the food supply for native fish. Fishhook waterfleas are very small, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length, with a translucent body and black eyes. Clusters look like wet cotton
Killer Shrimp
(Dikerogammarus villosus)
Prohibited in Michigan
Killer shrimp have body coloration ranges from transparent and striped to a uniform dark color. They have a curled body that that is laterally compressed. The first four pairs of legs extend down and backwards and they have two pairs of antennae. Their habitat consists of fresh/brackish water in lakes, rivers, and canals.
Marbled Crayfish
(Procambarus virginalis)
Watch List - Prohibited in Michigan
A medium-sized (4 to 5 inch) crayfish with slender or narrow claws. Streaked or marbled coloration pattern is most visible on the back, or carapace. In the wild, most range in color from olive to brown, but in captivity, colors can include tan, red or blue.
Red Swamp Crayfish
(Procambarus clarkii)
Detected in Michigan
Watch List - Prohibited in Michigan
Red Swamp Crayfish have dark red color with bright red raised spots - they look like small lobsters. They can live in a variety of permanent freshwater habitats. They feed heavily on snails, fish, amphibians, and plants.
Rusty Crayfish
(Orconectes rusticus)
Restricted in Michigan
Rusty Crayfish are lobster-like with a brown body up to 6 inches in length and oversized claws that have an oval opening when closed and black bands at the tips. Mature crayfish have a dark, rusty spot on each side of the carapace.
Spiny Waterflea
(Bythotrephes longimanus)
Spiny waterfleas are zooplankton (tiny animals) that feed on other zooplankton, decreasing the food supply for native fish. Spiny waterfleas are very small, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length. Each has a long, straight tail spine that’s twice the length of its body.
Yabby
(Cherax destructor)
Prohibited in Michigan
Yabby Crayfish have two enlarged front claws, four pairs of walking legs followed by four pairs of swimmerets (swimming legs). They have a smooth carapace and their color ranges from olive-green to brown, but are sometimes red, yellow, or black.