Crayfish Research Centre

Astacologists are invited to submit their research to the SI “Ecology and Management of Crayfish.” As Guest Editor, I will recommend reviewers who can provide rigorous, unbiased reviews. APC waivers (20%, 50%, 100%) are available.

Deadline: 20 May 2026.
Guest Editor Mihaela Ion

https://www.mdpi.com/si/255118

🦞 Great news for crayfish conservation in Romania! 🇷🇴

The latest issue of Crayfish News (Vol. 47, No. 1–4) — the official international newsletter of the International Association of Astacology — has featured the inclusion of the endemic species Austropotamobius bihariensis among the legally protected species in Romania. 🌿

📄 Read the issue here:https://www.astacology.org/docs/cn/CrayfishNews_47(1-4)_hr.pdf
⚖️ Legal reference: https://legislatie.just.ro/Public/DetaliiDocument/295259

This recognition highlights years of dedicated research, field studies, and collaboration between scientists, conservationists, and decision-makers committed to protecting Romania’s native crayfish fauna. 🤝

We are proud to see this achievement acknowledged internationally and to have contributed to this effort together with:
• Prof. Dr. Lucian Pârvulescu – UVT / Crayfish Research Centre
• PhD Andrei Acs – UVT / CAPDD Bihor
• Dr. Mihaela Ion – IBB / TEON IBB
along with many other colleagues, researchers, and students involved in crayfish research and conservation. 💧🦞

After 4+ years of work, our article on Austropotamobius is out! We traced their 30-million-year journey across Europe, discovered hidden lineages, and finally solved some long-standing evolutionary puzzles.

The key highlight? A. bihariensis from the Apuseni Mountains: a small crayfish with a big story.

This research isn’t just about science; it’s a step toward smarter conservation and understanding Europe’s freshwater biodiversity.

+ Special thanks to our young team of researchers under Lucian Pârvulescu's mentorship!

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jbi.70059

The community grows in and around our research hub at ICAM UVT. Looking forward to it! 🦞

Searching blind, but with the right tools, secrets of evolution may eventually surface.

🦞 Field trip vibes!
Today’s crayfishing adventure had it all – teamwork, measurements, and a closer look at these fascinating little creatures. Hands-on science at its best 🌿🔬

And as a bonus… our final “study subjects” turned out to be two very curious cows 🐄🐄

Caught in the act: a real cray-fish moment! 🐟🦞

During an electrofishing survey, we stumbled upon this wild scene — a greedy trout and an oversized crayfish locked in a fatal embrace. Nature doesn’t always play fair... and this time, science stepped in just in time.

📸: Andrei Togor