They might be called Big Sandy – but these little crustaceans are anything but big.
A clip shared to Instagram and Facebook has left viewers in awe of the tiny, translucent baby crayfish.
The footage shows a biologist handling and measuring the creature before it receives a Visible Implant Elastomer tag that will be injected under its skin.
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“Despite looking tiny, the baby Big Sandy crayfish are just the right size to receive their VIE tag!,” said US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
“These tiny crustaceans will hang out at White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery for a few more weeks before their release into the wild, where they are helping to recover Big Sandy crayfish populations in Virginia.”
The clip has racked up nearly 9,000 likes across social media, with viewers amused by the crustacean’s name and minuscule body.
One person said: “Why they call him big sandy that’s so funny [sic].”
Another said: “So tiny.”
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Someone else said: “Hi, crawbaby.”
Jaquelyn said: “This is so stinkin’ cute! Almost a cute as baby paddlefish [sic].”
Kathryn said: “It’s cool to find a crawdad full of babies.”
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Sandy said: “Go forth and populate little guy ! You’re so cute you will have no problem finding a lovely lady!! [sic]”
Monquea said: “It’s a beautiful crawfish. It’s such a gorgeous color.”
Joy said: “Oh my! He’s an itty bitty tiny thing!”
Beth said: “I CAN NOT….these little cuties are TOO adorable!”
Brandon said: “Aww!!!”
The Big Sandy crayfish is a freshwater crustacean found in streams and rivers in the Appalachian Region of Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia.
USFWS said it has been working with state partners to determine where “this dynamic creature” is found and whether it is in danger of extinction.
In May 2016, the Big Sandy crayfish was listed as a threatened species, protected under the Endangered Species Act.
In March 2022, USFWS designated critical habitat for the Big Sandy crayfish and the endangered Guyandotte River crayfish.
In total, approximately 446 stream miles (717 stream kilometres) in Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia fall within the boundaries of the designation.
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