A crayfish introduced to Chadwick Lakes threatens the fragile freshwater ecosystem there, biologists who discovered the alien species have warned. 

The red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)  was identified by members of the University of Malta's Conservation Biology Research Group, who also observed the crayfish feeding on tadpoles and other species at Chadwick Lakes.

Researchers believe the crayfish was introduced to the area through "careless human action" and have warned that its presence poses an additional danger to local species already threatened by pollution and climate change impacts. 

News of the discovery of the alien species was published in the peer-reviewed journal NESciences and information has been shared with local environmental authorities, the research group said. 

The Conservation Biology Research Group has been at the forefront of local efforts to study local biodiversity and identify non-native species in local waters. The group made headlines when it announced that it had discovered the venomous Lionfish in local waters, with the group's discoveries of the Niger Hind, Lowfin Chub and Longjaw Squirrelfish, Dory Snapper and Punctuated Flatworm having also made the news. 

Anyone spotting an odd-looking species can pass information on by contacting group coordinator Adriana Vella on 9942 9592 or by e-mailing adriana.vella@um.edu.mt.