Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Cherax punctatus (a crayfish, no common name) - Uncertain Risk

Species that are considered uncertain risk need a more in-depth assessment beyond the Risk Summary to better define the species’ risk to U.S. environments. This additional information will help inform decisions on where, when, and how the species may be used to minimize risks of them becoming invasive.

Cherax punctatus is a crayfish native to southeastern Queensland, Australia. Climate match to the contiguous U.S. is medium overall, with high match occurring in parts of Florida. Due to perceived risk to the ecology and people of their respective states, the States of Florida and Washington have prohibited the import, transport, and possession of nearly all Cherax crayfish, including C. punctatus, with few exceptions. C. punctatus has not been reported as introduced outside its native range, so its history of invasiveness is uncertain and the overall risk posed to the contiguous U.S. is uncertain.