Animal Profiles
Crustaceans

Crayfish

Decapoda

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans. This account describes the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), a burrowing species native to south-central North America.

Procambarus clarkii, the representative described in this account.

Procambarus clarkii, the representative described in this account.

Andrew C · CC BY

At a glance

Location
Native habitats include slow-water wetlands and ditches in the south-central United States and northeastern Mexico.
Habitat
Wetlands, Rivers and lakes
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Plant material, detritus and animal prey all contribute to the diet.

Classification

Common name
Crayfish
Browse group
Crustaceans
Scientific name or taxon
Decapoda
Taxon rank
order
Order
Decapoda
Source classification
Malacostraca

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It shelters in burrows.
  • Adults commonly have a dark red body.
  • Growth requires molting.

Habitat and range

Native habitats include slow-water wetlands and ditches in the south-central United States and northeastern Mexico. Burrows provide refuge during drought or cold; introduced populations occur beyond this native range.

Appearance and adaptations

Adults are typically dark red with conspicuous claws and long antennae. A segmented abdomen lies behind the fused head and thorax, all protected by an external skeleton.

Diet and behaviour

Plant material, detritus and animal prey all contribute to the diet. Juveniles tend to eat more animal food than adults. Burrowing provides shelter, and molting replaces the rigid outer covering as the crayfish grows.

Sources

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