The fire-back crayfish is one of eight species of crayfish known to live at The Nature Conservancy's Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve and within the Apalachicola River's bluffs and ravines area.
Reproductive males have unique ornamentation on their first pair of abdominal limbs.
The geographic range of fire-back crayfish appears to be limited to the Apalachicola River's system of ravines. During inactive periods, crayfish seal themselves in their burrows. However, their restrictive habitat requirements and limited distribution make them vulnerable to extinction. The Nature Conservancy and the state of Florida have protected a major section of habitat where fire-back crayfish live, and the rest of their habitat is slated for protection. Conservation measures include protecting the ravine streams and seeps from siltation and other forms of pollution.