Marmorkrebs are parthenogenetic : they are all females, and reproduce without sex. This is the only decapod crustacean found that reproduces only this way, giving it incredible potential as a model organism for research. Some of the advantages of Marmorkrebs are that they are genetically identical, reproduce at high rates, and are easy to care for.
Marmorkrebs are invasive Marmorkrebs have been introduced and established populations in many countries . They can damage agriculture and threaten native species. Marmorkrebs should not be used for bait , kept in outdoor tanks or ponds ( Marmorkrebs can migrate over land ), or placed in any other situation where they could be released into natural ecosystems.
The European Union banned Marmorkrebs (i.e., possession, trade, transport, production, and release ) and some other crayfish species in 2016. The U n ited Kingdom retained this prohibition after its departure from the Europe an Union in 2020.