Rare Blue Crawfish Found in Flowers at Memphis Grocery Store

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A Memphis Kroger manager found a bright blue crawfish hidden in a shipment of flowers this week. The rare crustacean, which gets its unusual coloring from a genetic mutation, was discovered while the manager was unpacking the floral delivery. Unsure of what to do, the manager placed the crawfish in a bucket of water to keep it alive.

Why it matters

Bright blue crawfish are an uncommon sight, occurring in as few as one in thousands in the wild. This unexpected discovery at a local grocery store has generated interest and curiosity from both the public and wildlife experts.

The details

The Memphis Kroger manager, who wishes to remain anonymous, came across the vibrant blue crawfish while unpacking a shipment of flowers. Unsure of how the crustacean ended up in the floral delivery, the manager placed it in a bucket of water to keep it alive. Nexstar's WREG news station has reached out to the Memphis Zoo and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for guidance on how to safely handle the unexpected visitor.

• The crawfish was discovered this week by the Kroger manager.

What’s next

The Memphis Zoo and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency have been contacted for guidance on how to properly care for the rare blue crawfish.