Scientists find larger crayfish than previously recorded giant specimen
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign report a nationwide search uncovered a record-breaking Tennessee crayfish and identified a biological size limit for North American species.
Initial discovery in Kentucky
Caitlin Bloomer pulled an enormous crayfish from the mud during a survey in Kentucky. She believed she had captured the largest specimen ever documented before showing it to a colleague.
Comparison with Tennessee record
A colleague noted that larger specimens exist, leading scientists to find a bigger example in Tennessee. This new finding suggests the Kentucky individual was not the absolute maximum size possible for the species.
Biological constraints identified
The investigation indicates North American crayfish likely hit a biological limit due to muscle or shell factors. A nationwide search confirmed these creatures cannot grow indefinitely larger than the Tennessee specimen found.
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