Crayfish
Description
crayfish or crawfish, freshwater crustacean smaller than but structurally
very similar to its marine relative the lobster, Crayfish grow some 3
to 4 in. (7.6-10.2 cm) in length and are usually brownish green. They
are scavengers, feeding on decayed organic matter and also on small fish.
Habitat
found in ponds, streams,
and swamps in most parts of the world except Africa.
Similar Species
A red-clawed species is considered a delicacy in Europe.
Some cave-dwelling forms are colorless and eyeless.
Comments
The swamp crayfish digs a burrow up to 3 ft (91 cm)
deep with a water-filled cavity at the bottom in case of drought. The
eggs develop while attached to the swimming legs of the female and look
like miniature adults when hatched. Although crayfish are not eaten
in most parts of the United States, they are consumed in areas in the
Mississippi River basin and are used in the Louisiana area in a thick
soup called crayfish bisque. They are agricultural pests in the Mississippi
Delta area, where they feed on sprouting wheat and corn. Crayfish are
classified in the phylum Arthropods, subphylum Crustacean, order Decapoda.
Other
Other