Crayfish Images

Crayfish Images, Facts and Information:

Family: Astacidae

• Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans with a joined head and thorax, segmented body, and ten legs including one pair of large claws. They come in various colors such as sandy yellow, red, green, or dark brown.
• Crayfish are found in a wide range of freshwater habitats including streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, swamps, springs, and even underground waters. Some species can tolerate brackish water.
• Crayfish have the greatest diversity in the Southeastern United States. They are particularly common in the Midwest, including the Great Lakes region.
• Crayfish are omnivorous, feeding on living and dead plants, other invertebrates, fish eggs, algae, insects, larvae, worms, tadpoles, and dead debris.
• Crayfish mate in autumn and lay eggs in spring. The eggs hatch in 5 to 8 weeks, and the larvae remain attached to the mother for several weeks. Sexual maturity can be reached in a few months to several years, depending on the species.
• Crayfish are often called “crawdads”, “crawfish”, or “mudbugs”.
• A group of crayfish can be called a “colony” or “pod” of crayfish.
• The lifespan of crayfish ranges from 1 to 20 years, depending on the species.

I hope you enjoy viewing my crayfish photos.