Chowanoke crayfish are fairly small, reaching lengths of only two-and-a-half inches in adulthood.

Choanoke crayfish color ranges from tan to green, with dark blue or black saddle-pattern markings. Their claws or pinchers are banded with black and tipped orange.

These freshwater crustaceans are native to the streams and rivers of the Chowan and Roanoke River basins in Virginia and North Carolina. They are typically found in clean, slow-moving streams that meander through swamps and forests. However, Chowanoke crayfish can occasionally be found in flooded fields or ditches. These small crayfish are poor burrowers and rely on cover from woody debris, leaf litter, undercut banks, and other in-stream objects for shelter.

There is limited life history information specific to Chowanoke crayfish, but their life cycle is presumed to be similar to other stream-dwelling crayfish. Reproduction occurs in the fall, with eggs laid in spring. After two weeks, the eggs, which are attached to the female, hatch. Juveniles are carried by their mothers until late spring or summer. Crayfish typically meet sexual maturity in one-and-a-half to two years.

Chowanoke crayfish are generalist omnivores, consuming tiny invertebrates and micro-organisms like algae and bacteria, as well as live plant material.

All crayfish are nocturnal and typically remain hidden during the day beneath any cover they can find. They can be observed swimming or crawling along the bottom of streambeds.