Crawfish or Crayfish? The Secret Lives of Louisiana's Famous Crustaceans

Everyone knows the Red Swamp crawfish as a Louisiana cultural icon. But did you know that over 35 species of native crayfish call Louisiana home? From burrowing species that look like they were painted with all the colors of a sunset, to reclusive forest-dwellers, our state harbors some of the greatest crayfish diversity in the U.S.—and across the globe!

In this Science Café, join aquaculture professor Kaelyn Fogelman as we dig into the hidden world of Louisiana’s native crayfish. We’ll explore their fascinating adaptations, ecosystem roles, and surprising behaviors—and discuss the threats they face from habitat loss, invasive species, and changing waterways. Come learn how the crawfish you know are just the tip of the iceberg, and what we can do to conserve our world-famous charismatic crustaceans.

About the Speaker

Kaelyn Fogelman is an assistant professor of aquaculture in the LSU AgCenter’s School of
Renewable Natural Resources. She is an aquatic ecophysiologist who studies how crayfish, freshwater mussels, and non-game fish respond to environmental stress. Her research combines conservation biology and aquaculture to protect native species while also supporting commercial aquaculture farmers. While she’s traveled the globe to work with crayfish in Europe and Australia, she’s passionate about sharing the hidden stories of all of Louisiana’s crawfish—both the ones we eat and the ones we’ve yet to meet.

LSU Science Café is presented in partnership with Campus Federal Credit Union and WRKF.

Registration & Attendance Information

The event is open to the public, and advance registration through Eventbrite is recommended.

LSU Science Café is in-person only (i.e., no live feed) but will be recorded and posted on our YouTube channel.

Please print your registration ticket or have it readily available on your electronic device upon arrival.

Doors open at 5 PM. Event begins at 6 PM.

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Host or Publisher LSU Office of Research & Economic Development