Crayfish, also known as crawfish, crawdads, freshwater lobsters, mountain lobsters, mudbugs or yabbies, are freshwater crustaceans resembling small lobsters, to which they are related.

They breathe through feather-like gills. Some species are found in brooks and streams where there is running fresh water, while others thrive in swamps, ditches, and paddy fields. Most crayfish cannot tolerate polluted water, although some species are hardier.

Crayfish feed on living animals and plants, and detritus. There are about 150 crayfish species in North America, and over 540 species worldwide.

Crayfish can be kept as pets in freshwater aquariums. They prefer foods like shrimp pellets or various vegetables, but will also eat tropical fish food, regular fish food, algae wafers, and small fish that can be captured with their claws.

Crayfish have been recorded as an invasive species from Louisiana to Europe to China. They have been known to consume local rice crops in China.

Here are a few interesting facts about Crayfish.

• The body is made up of twenty body segments, grouped into two main body parts; the cephalothorax and the abdomen. Each segment may possess one pair of appendages, although in various groups, these may be reduced or missing.

• On average, crayfish grow to 17.5 cm in length.

• Walking legs have a small claw at the end.

These little creepy crawlers are available from the Living Science Material Center CO-OP page to add to your classroom as a pet if so desired.