Acanthocephalan Occurrence in Cultured Red Crawfish

A heavy infestation of a new species of Acanthocephala is recorded in red crawfish, Procamharus clarki, harvested from two Louisiana ponds. Occurrence of 44 to 46 percent in harvested crawfish was noticeable enough to warrant public rejection of the affected crawfish as food. Management recommendations are given to reduce occurrence of the parasite.