Abstract
Abstract Cambarus elkensis (Elk River crayfish) was seined and dip-netted monthly during June through August and October through November 2003, and March through May 2004 from Left Fork Holly River in the Elk River drainage, West Virginia, U.S.A. Crayfish reproductive form was classified, and then individuals measured and returned to the stream. Carapace-length (CL) frequency analysis identified five overlapping year classes with growth progressing over a 5-year life span. Ovigerous females were collected in summer (June) and an individual with attached young in October, but young-of-the-year (Y-O-Y) crayfish did not appear in the collections until late winter (March). Juveniles and Y-O-Y dominated the collections and grew rapidly, reaching sexual maturity (≥ 29 mm CL) in 30-36 months. Growth continued but slowed in the older mature crayfish with the largest individuals (> 50 mm CL) disappearing from the collections sometime between fall and spring in the fifth year of life. Fastest growing individuals co...
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