Crayfish, crawfish, or crawdads are freshwater crustaceans belonging to the infraorder Astacidea, which also contains lobsters, classified within the superfamilies Astacoidea and Parastacoidea. They breathe through feather-like gills and inhabit a wide range of freshwater environments, from running brooks and streams to swamps, ditches and paddy fields; while most species are sensitive to water quality, hardier species such as Procambarus clarkii can tolerate polluted conditions. Crayfish are omnivorous scavengers, feeding on both living and decomposing organic matter.
Facts
Classification
DietDetritivore or Scavenger 1 System (Realm) Living or Extinct Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceOn average, crayfish grow to 17.5 cm (6.9 in) in length. Walking legs have a small claw at the end. 1 Scientific Name Connections
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Crayfish
Introductory paragraph
Crayfish, crawfish, or crawdads are freshwater crustaceans belonging to the infraorder Astacidea, which also contains lobsters.
Anatomy section
On average, crayfish grow to 17.5 cm (6.9 in) in length. Walking legs have a small claw at the end.
- freshwater crustaceans living in brooks, streams, swamps
View the Source2. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ929163, descriptionView the Source Wikidata: Crayfish
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