Crayfish (Malacostraca)
Background
Crayfish are found in all bodies of fresh water such streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds. The place where crayfish are typical found in Northern Virginia. Crayfish are omnivorous and can eat just about anything. According to this website, if you have a pet crayfish you could even feed it cat food and hot-dogs and it would still be happy. They breathe through gills and can live outside of water as long as their gills are wet. Crayfish are able to live up to 20-30 years.
External Anatomy
Uropod - anterior flipper that propels the crayfish through the water
Cheliped - claw used to capture food and provide defense
Telson - flat triangular section of the tail, used for swimming
Walking legs - enable the crayfish to walk slowly
Swimmerts - organs that create water currents and functions in reproduction
Internal Anatomy
Mandibular intestine - carries waste
Ganglia - bundle of nerve cells
Stomach - has chitinous teeth which grind food to a paste
Oviduct - passageway for eggs
Incision Guide
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