Crayfish are crustaceans that are also known as crawdads, crawfish, kriddly wigs, and freshwater lobsters. [1] they are closely related to lobsters, crabs, and shrimp. Crayfish[a] are freshwater crustaceans belonging to the infraorder Astacidea, which also contains lobsters. Taxonomically, they are members of the superfamilies Astacoidea and Parastacoidea. They breathe through feather-like gills. Some species are found in brooks and streams, where fresh water is running, while others thrive in swamps, ditches, and paddy fields. Most crayfish cannot tolerate polluted water, although some species, such as Procambarus clarkii, are hardier. Crayfish feed on ... Crayfish, or crawfish, is the common name for almost exclusively freshwater crustaceans comprising the arthropod families Astacidae, Cambaridae, and Parastacidae, resembling small versions of the marine lobsters, to which they are closely related in the same decapod infraorder Astacidea. Similar to lobsters, they are characterized by a sharp snout, stalked eyes, a fused head and thorax (cephalothorax), a pair of large pincers on the front legs, and a body made up of 19 segments. Typically ... Learn about crayfish, also known as crawfish, mudbugs, or freshwater lobsters, and their characteristics, behavior, and conservation status. Find out how they breathe, feed, mate, and defend themselves in their aquatic habitats.
