Crayfish

freshwater · crustaceans · stream animals

Relatives of lobsters. Crayfish belong to the same group as lobsters, but they live in freshwater instead of the ocean. They are smaller than lobsters and have the same basic body structure.

Feathery gill breathers. Instead of lungs, crayfish have special feather-like gills that let them breathe underwater. These gills pull oxygen from the water as it flows over them.

Live in running water. Many crayfish make their homes in clean brooks and streams where the water is always moving and fresh. Some species are tougher and can survive in swamps, ditches, and even paddy fields.

Eating machines. Crayfish are not picky eaters and will munch on both plants and animals, including decaying food and dead stuff on the bottom. This makes them helpful cleaners in their water homes.

Sensitive to pollution. Most crayfish need clean water to survive and will disappear if their home becomes polluted. However, a few hardy species like Procambarus clarkii can handle dirtier conditions.