Crayfish

From BWCAWiki

Crayfish, often referred to as crawfish or crawdad, are freshwater crustaceans resembling small lobsters, to which they are closely related. They breathe through gills and are found in bodies of fresh water that do not freeze to the bottom; they are also mostly found in brooks and streams where there is fresh water running, and which have shelter against predators. Most crayfish cannot tolerate polluted water, although some species such as the invasive Procambarus clarkii are more hardy. Some crayfish have been found living as much as 3 m (10 feet) underground.

The study of crayfish is called astacology.

The anatomy of crayfish may be found in the article "decapod anatomy".

Names

The name "crayfish" comes from the Old French word escrevisse (Modern French écrevisse) from Old Frankish *krebitja (cf. crab), from the same root as crawl. The word has been modified to "crayfish" by association with "fish" (folk etymology). The largely American variant "crawfish" is similarly derived.

In New Zealand the name crayfish (or cray) refers to a spiny lobster, and crayfish are called freshwater crays or koura, the Māori name for the animal.

Some kinds of crayfish are known locally as lobsters, crawdads [2], mudbugs [2] and yabbies. In the Eastern United States, "crayfish" is more common in the north, while "crawdad" is heard more in central regions, and "crawfish" further south, although there are considerable overlaps [3].

Geographical distribution and classification

The rusty crayfish is in abundance on Basswood lake and is phasing out native populations of crayfish. The BWCA is a great habitat for crayfish and they are rampant on some lakes.