Crayfish (Decapoda)
| Life history | Crayfish live their entire life cycle in the water; they live for about 2 years. |
|---|---|
| Diversity | There are four families with freshwater crayfish in North America. |
| Distinguishing characteristics |
Skin is thick and hard; long "nose"; large eyes; 5 pairs of walking legs; flipper at end of tail; large claws; looks like a little lobster. |
| Habitat & Feeding | Crayfish may be found in streams, large rivers, ponds, lakes, swamps, marshes, underground waters, and wet meadows. Crayfish are omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants (mostly decaying) and animals. |
| Water quality indicator status | Crayfish are tolerant of most pollution and environmental stress (temperature, pH, alkalinity). Although, they bioaccumulate some metals (mercury); crayfish tissue samples can be used to detect contamination. |
| Fun facts |
|