Cray Fishes Collection

Louisiana Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) introduced species, claws, remains of European Otter (Lutra lutra) prey, Spain, june

White-clawed Freshwater Crayfish (Austropotamobius italicus) adult male, close-up of claw with Parasitic Annelid (Branchiobdella astaci) ectoparasites attached, Italy, july

Leech (Hirudinea sp. ) adult, parasitizing Atlantic Stream Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) underwater, Italy
Leech (Hirudinea sp.) adult, parasitizing Atlantic Stream Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) underwater, Italy

Crayfish - In shallow water
JLMO-1442 CRAYFISH - IN SHALLOW WATER Austropotamobius pallipes John Mason Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Noble Crayfish - Freshwater UK & Europe
PM-7583 European / Noble / Broad-fingered CRAYFISH Freshwater, UK & Europe Astacus astacus Also commonly referred to as Astacus fluviatilis Pat Morris Please note that prints are for personal display

Noble Crayfish - freshwater Europe
PM-7585 European / Noble / Broad-fingered CRAYFISH Europe Astacus astacus Also commonly referred to as Astacus fluviatilis Pat Morris Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only

White Clawed Native Crayfish now endangered in British waters due to fungal disease from introduced American crayfish
PM-10258 White Clawed Native Crayfish now endangered in British waters due to fungal disease from introduced American crayfish Priority Species on UK BAP Austropotamobius pallipes Pat Morris Please

American signal Crayfish BB 389 Pacifastacus lenuisculus © Brian Bevan / ARDEA LONDON
BB-389 American signal Crayfish Pacifastacus lenuisculus Brian Bevan Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in anyway

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"Crayfish: Fascinating Creatures with Intriguing Adaptations" Crayfish, specifically the Louisiana Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), have become an introduced species in various regions. These crustaceans are known for their distinctive claws, which they use to catch prey and defend themselves. Interestingly, researchers have discovered remains of European Otter (Lutra lutra) prey in their diet. Another type of crayfish is the White-clawed Freshwater Crayfish (Austropotamobius italicus). Adult males of this species can be seen with Parasitic Annelids attached to them. The close-up view reveals the intricate details of these annelids on their claws. Parasitism seems to be a common occurrence among crayfish as another example shows a Leech (Hirudinea sp. ) adult parasitizing an Atlantic Stream Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) underwater in Italy. The importance of crayfish extends beyond their interactions with other organisms. Great Northern Divers (Gavia immer), during summer plumage, rely on crayfish as a food source while swimming on lakes in North Michigan, USA. In shallower waters, we find these captivating creatures thriving. Whether it's the Noble Crayfish or the Native White Clawed Crayfish found across Europe and UK freshwater bodies, they contribute to maintaining ecological balance. Unfortunately, the native White Clawed Crayfish faces endangerment due to fungal diseases transmitted by introduced American crayfish species. This makes them a priority species under UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Lastly, let's not forget about Louisiana Crawdads. Widely harvested for food and native to North America but introduced elsewhere around the world including Louisiana itself where they hold cultural significance through traditional crawdad boils.