Crayfish and Their Ecological Role

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms about crayfish biology, behavior, ecology, and conservation.

Crayfish (Crawfish/Freshwater Lobsters)

Freshwater crustaceans in the order Decapoda that inhabit rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes.

Crustacean

A class of arthropods with hard exoskeletons and jointed limbs; includes crayfish, crabs, and shrimp.

Order Decapoda

The taxonomic order of ten-legged crustaceans to which crayfish belong.

Exoskeleton

The hard external shell that protects a crayfish’s segmented body.

Clawed Pincers

Large front appendages used by crayfish for grasping food, defense, and territorial displays.

Muscular Abdomen

The tail section of a crayfish that enables rapid backward swimming.

Scavenger

An organism, like crayfish, that feeds on dead or decaying organic matter.

Detritus

Fragments of decaying plants and animals that serve as food for crayfish and aid nutrient recycling.

Nutrient Recycling

The process by which crayfish consumption of organic matter returns nutrients to the ecosystem.

Territorial Behavior

Crayfish tendency to claim and defend specific areas such as burrows.

Burrow

A tunnel or chamber in the substrate excavated by crayfish for shelter and breeding.

Pheromone Release

Chemical signaling used by crayfish to communicate social status and mating readiness.

Larva (Crayfish)

The early developmental stage carried under the female’s tail before molting into juveniles.

Juvenile Crayfish

Young crayfish that have left the female and live independently after several molts.

Habitat Destruction

Physical alteration of freshwater environments that threatens crayfish populations.

Pollution

Introduction of harmful substances into water bodies, negatively impacting crayfish health.

Invasive Species

Non-native organisms that outcompete or prey upon native crayfish, disrupting ecosystems.

Overfishing

Excessive harvesting of crayfish leading to population decline.

Conservation Efforts

Actions aimed at protecting crayfish and maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems.

Freshwater Ecosystem

Aquatic environments such as rivers and lakes where crayfish play a vital ecological role.