Eggs
Attached under the mother's tail until they hatch.
Four-stage life cycle
Crayfish
The cleaner of freshwater
A freshwater crustacean, the crayfish grows through successive moults of its exoskeleton and plays an essential scavenger role.
Life cycle (4 stages)
Young crayfish
Small crayfish hatch underwater and stay close to the mother.
Juvenile
It grows by moulting regularly.
Adult
It occupies burrows and hiding places in streams and rivers.
Physical changes
- Life starts as eggs attached under the mother's tail.
- The eggs hatch into young crayfish.
- Growth happens through successive moults of the exoskeleton.
- It becomes a fully developed adult crayfish.
Habitat
- Streams
- Rivers
- Ponds
- Lakes
Diet
- Algae
- Aquatic plants
- Insects
- Worms
- Small fish
- Decaying organic matter
Survival adaptations
- Hard exoskeleton protecting the body.
- Powerful claws to defend itself and catch food.
- Ability to hide under rocks and in burrows.
- Regeneration of lost claws after a moult.
Ecological importance
- Breaking down organic matter
- Cleaning aquatic environments
- Maintaining the balance of freshwater ecosystems
Importance
- Type : Freshwater crustacean
- Habitat shift : Eggs under the mother → Streams and rivers → Burrows and shelters
- Role : Scavenger living on the bottom of watercourses.
- Helps keep freshwater ecosystems clean and healthy.