Crayfish, also known as crawfish, crawdads, freshwater lobsters, mountain lobsters, mudbugs, or yabbies, are actually freshwater crustaceans resembling a smaller version of a lobster, to which they are related; taxonomically, they are members of the superfamilies Astacoidea and Parastacoidea. They are small crustaceans that live in freshwater water habitats in which do not freeze over in cold conditions. Adult size is reached by crayfish in the wild in about 4 years. They can live from 20 to 30 years.
Crayfish Quick Facts | |
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Name: | Crayfish |
Scientific Name: | Astacus |
Origin | Marine ancestors dating back some 280 million years |
Colors | Red, white, pink, and blue. You will also find them in dark brown and sandy yellow. |
Shapes | 3-4 inches (which is 7.62-10.16 cm) long, resembling a smaller version of a lobster |
Calories | 74 Kcal./cup |
Major nutrients | Vitamin B-12 (110.00%) Copper (54.78%) Selenium (52.91%) Tryptophan (47.05%) Isoleucine (43.06%) |
Crayfish Scientific Classification
Scientific Name: Paranephrops planifrons
Rank | Scientific Name & (Common Name) |
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Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Arthropoda |
Subphylum | Crustacea |
Class | Malacostraca |
Order | Decapoda |
Suborder | Pleocyemata |
Infraorder | Astacidea |
Superfamily | Astacoidea |
CRAYFISH FACTS
Crayfish is actually a smaller version of a lobster. It has the same conjoined body structure and they both come from similar family genes. Their body structure is made up of one interconnected piece of head and midsection. Their eyes have the ability to wander around and see a large spectrum of vision. Their outside shell is a mix between yellow and brown with a hint of green at times. Their large anterior-most pairs of legs have powerful claws which are efficient tools for defense, food gathering, and object manipulation. Their four pairs of walking legs assist them in rapid locomotion across the bottom substrates of their aquatic habitats. Surprisingly, they are not really capable of swimming although they can use powerful thrusts of their tails to rapidly propel themselves (backward) through the water. This latter movement is particularly effective when the crayfish is attempting to elude a predator.
Name | Crayfish |
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Scientific Name | Astacus |
Native | Marine ancestors dating back some 280 million years |
Common/English Name | Crawfish, crawdads, freshwater lobsters, mountain lobsters, mudbugs or yabbies |
Name in Other Languages | Albanian: Karavidhe Afrikaans: Kreef Arabic: Jarad albahr (جراد البحر) Armenian: Khets’getin (խեցգետին) Azerbaijani: Xərçəng Bengali: Bāgadā ciṇṛi (বাগদা চিংড়ি) Basque: Zigala Belarusian: Račny rak (рачны рак) Bosnian: Rak Bulgarian: Pак Cebuano: Uwang Catalan: Cranc de riu Chichewa: Nsomba zazinkhanira Chinese: Xiǎo lóngxiā (小龙虾) Croatian: Rak Czech: Rak Danish: Krebs Dutch: Rivierkreeft Estonian: Jõevähk Esperanto: Kankro Finnish: Rapu Filipino: Ulang French: Ecrevisse Galician: Lagostim German: Flusskrebs Greek: Karavída (καραβίδα) Georgian: Crayfish Gujarati: Citraśalākā (ચિત્રશલાકા) Hausa: Crayfish Haitian: Creole kribich Hebrew: סַרטַן הַנַהֲרוֹת Hindi: Krefish (क्रेफ़िश) Hmong: Crayfish Hungarian: Folyami rák Icelandic: Crayfish Igbo: Isha Irish: Gliomach Italian: Gambero Indonesian: Udang karang Javanese: Crayfish Japanese: Zarigani (ザリガニ) Kannada: Krēphiṣ (ಕ್ರೇಫಿಷ್) Kazakh: Ozen şayanı (өзен шаяны) Khmer: Crayfish Korean: Wangsaeu (왕새우) Latvian: Vēzis Latin: Carabus Lithuanian: Vėžys Lao: Crayfish Malayalam: Sud’dhajala keāñc (ശുദ്ധജല കൊഞ്ച്) Malagasy: Orana Malay: Udang Maori: Kōura Marathi: Khēkaḍā (खेकडा) Mongolian: Khavch (хавч) Myanmar (Burmese): Ray hkyao kyawwat puhcwan (ရေချိုကျောက်ပုစွန်) Macedonian: Vid rak (вид рак) Maltese: Awwist Norwegian: Edelkreps Nepali: Krēphiśa (क्रेफिश) Persian: خرچنگ Polish: Rak Portuguese: Lagostim Romanian: Rac de râu Russian: Pак Serbian: Pак Sesotho: Tlhapi ea cray Somali: Carsaanyada Swahili: Kamba Slovak: Rak Slovenian: Raki Spanish: Cangrejo de río Swedish: Kräfta Sinhala: Pokirissā (පොකිරිස්සා) Tajik: Xarcang (харчанг) Tamil: Kaṭal naṇṭu (கடல் நண்டு) Telugu: Crayfish Thai: Kậng (กั้ง) Turkish: Kerevit Ukrainian: Richkovyy rak (річковий рак) Urdu: کریفش Uzbek: Qisqichbaqa Vietnamese: Con tôm Welsh: Cimwch yr afon Yiddish: Rak(ראַק) Yoruba: Ede Zulu: Isikhuphashe |
Growing Locations | Rivers and brooks are the main living habitat for the crayfish |
Crayfish shape & size | 3-4 inches (which is 7.62-10.16 cm) long. |
Crayfish Color | Red, white, pink, and blue. You will also find them in dark brown and sandy yellow. |
Major Nutrition | Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamine) 2.64 µg (110.00%) Copper, Cu 0.493 mg (54.78%) Selenium, Se 29.1 µg (52.91%) Tryptophan 0.207 g (47.05%) Isoleucine 0.72 g (43.06%) Lysine 1.295 g (38.73%) Threonine 0.601 g (34.15%) Valine 0.699 g (33.10%) Leucine 1.18 g (31.93%) Protein 14.89 g (29.78%) Phosphorus, P 205 mg (29.29%) Histidine 0.303 g (24.59%) Iron, Fe 0.94 mg (11.75%) Zinc, Zn 1.26 mg (11.45%) |
Calories in 3 oz (85 gm) | 74 Kcal |
Crayfish are categorized by a joined head and thorax, or midsection, and a segmented body, which is sandy yellow, green, red, or dark brown in color. The head has a sharp snout, and the compound eyes are on movable stalks. The exoskeleton, or body covering, is thin but tough. The front pair of the five pairs of legs have large, powerful pincers (chelae). There are five pairs of smaller appendages on the abdomen, used mostly for swimming and circulating water for respiration. Their large anterior-most pairs of legs have powerful claws which are efficient tools for defense, food gathering, and object manipulation. Their four pairs of walking legs assist them in rapid locomotion across the bottom substrates of their aquatic habitats. Most adult crayfish are about 7.5 cm (3 inches) long. Among the smallest is the 2.5-cm-long Cambarellus diminutions of the southeastern United States and the largest is the Astacopsis goal of Tasmania, which may reach 40 cm in length and weigh about 3.5 kg (8 pounds).
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 rice paddies. Crayfish feed on living and dead animals and plants. Rivers and brooks are the main living habitat for the crayfish due to their water clarity and thin ice conditions. Humans will rarely see crayfish during the day but if you shine a flashlight in the water at dark its a whole different story. These guys do their traveling and feeding during the darkest hours of the night. You will see them walking ever so slow to their destinations but when danger arises, the flap their strong tail and their gone in the blink of an eye.
History
Crayfish evolved from marine ancestors dating back some 280 million years. There are more than 300 species of crayfish worldwide, which are categorized into three families: the Astacidae, the Cambridae (found only in the Northern Hemisphere), and the Parastacidae. A few species have modified to tropical habitats, but most live in temperate regions. None occur in Africa or the Indian subcontinent, though one species is found in Madagascar. Crayfish live in water, hiding beneath rocks, logs, sand, mud, and vegetation. Some species dig burrows, constructing little chimneys from moist soil excavated from their tunnel and carried to the surface. Some terrestrial species spend their whole life below ground in burrows, emerging only to find a mate. Other species live both in their tunnels as well as venturing into open water. Many species live mostly in open water, retreating to their burrows during pregnancy and for protection from predators and cold weather.
Nutritional value of Crustaceans, crayfish, mixed species, farmed, cooked, moist heat
Calories 74 Kcal. Calories from Fat 9.9 Kcal.
Proximity | Amount | % DV |
---|---|---|
Water | 68.68 g | N/D |
Energy | 74 Kcal | N/D |
Energy | 309 kJ | N/D |
Protein | 14.89 g | 29.78% |
Total Fat (lipid) | 1.1 g | 3.14% |
Ash | 0.91 g | N/D |
Minerals | Amount | % DV |
---|---|---|
Calcium, Ca | 43 mg | 4.30% |
Iron, Fe | 0.94 mg | 11.75% |
Magnesium, Mg | 28 mg | 6.67% |
Phosphorus, P | 205 mg | 29.29% |
Potassium, K | 202 mg | 4.30% |
Sodium, Na | 82 mg | 5.47% |
Zinc, Zn | 1.26 mg | 11.45% |
Copper, Cu | 0.493 mg | 54.78% |
Manganese, Mn | 0.184 mg | 8.00% |
Selenium, Se | 29.1 µg | 52.91% |
Vitamins | Amount | % DV |
---|---|---|
Water-soluble Vitamins | ||
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.04 mg | 3.33% |
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.068 mg | 5.23% |
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 1.417 mg | 8.86% |
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) | 0.435 mg | 8.70% |
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 0.114 mg | 8.77% |
Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 9 µg | 2.25% |
Folate, food | 9 µg | N/D |
Folate, DEF | 9 µg | N/D |
Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamine) | 2.64 µg | 110.00% |
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) | 0.4 mg | 0.44% |
Fat soluble Vitamins | ||
Vitamin A, RAE | 13 µg | 1.86% |
Vitamin A, IU | 42 IU | N/D |
Retinol | 13 µg | N/D |
Lipids | Amount | % DV |
---|---|---|
Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.184 g | N/D |
Myristic acid 14:00(Tetradecanoic acid) | 0.005 g | N/D |
Palmitic acid 16:00 (Hexadecanoic acid) | 0.116 g | N/D |
Stearic acid 18:00 (Octadecanoic acid) | 0.042 g | N/D |
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.213 g | N/D |
Palmitoleic acid 16:1 (hexadecenoic acid) | 0.031 g | N/D |
Oleic acid 18:1 (octadecenoic acid) | 0.165 g | N/D |
Gadoleic acid 20:1 (eicosenoic acid) | 0.006 g | N/D |
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.351 g | N/D |
Linoleic acid 18:2 (octadecadienoic acid) | 0.133 g | N/D |
Linolenic acid 18:3 (Octadecatrienoic acid) | 0.019 g | N/D |
18:04 | 0.002 g | N/D |
Arachidonic acid 20:4 (Eicosatetraenoic acid) | 0.053 g | N/D |
22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.032 g | N/D |
Cholesterol | 116 mg | N/D |
Amino acids | Amount | % DV |
---|---|---|
Tryptophan | 0.207 g | 47.05% |
Threonine | 0.601 g | 34.15% |
Isoleucine | 0.72 g | 43.06% |
Leucine | 1.18 g | 31.93% |
Lysine | 1.295 g | 38.73% |
Methionine | 0.42 g | N/D |
Cystine | 0.167 g | N/D |
Phenylalanine | 0.626 g | N/D |
Tyrosine | 0.496 g | N/D |
Valine | 0.699 g | 33.10% |
Arginine | 1.299 g | N/D |
Histidine | 0.303 g | 24.59% |
Alanine | 0.842 g | N/D |
Aspartic acid | 1.538 g | N/D |
Glutamic acid | 2.536 g | N/D |
Glycine | 0.896 g | N/D |
Proline | 0.491 g | N/D |
Serine | 0.586 g | N/D |
*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not healthbenefitstimes.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weigh 194 lbs. Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/
Health Benefits
Hence, as crayfish is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, thus it will be beneficial to promote the overall body health. Then, here are the health benefits of crayfish.
1. Your Favorite Healthy Seafood
As a matter of fact, there are many food options that you can choose from. For the example, you may choose fiber foods like green vegetables and fruits to promote the healthy digestion system. In this article, we will describe how beneficial is cooked crayfish to our body. As you have seen in the table above, crayfish provide a lot of vitamins and minerals. Then, not only the tasty meal you will get but crayfish will give you the health benefits such as increasing energy level in the body for sure. So, do you interested in trying crayfish as your favorite seafood?
2. Source of Vitamin B-12
Crayfish provides a good amount of B vitamins including vitamin B-12 to our body. At this point, by consuming one serving of crayfish, then you will get 30 percent of daily value for vitamin B-12. As result, this vitamin B helps you a lot in maintaining body function. It promotes the work of the nervous system as well as helps to turn the food into energy. What is even great about vitamin B-12 is the way it maintains a healthy digestion system. Then, by consuming crayfish, you have added the beneficial nutrients to your body for sure
3. Source of Protein
Crayfish is a good source of protein as the 5-ounce serving of crawfish contains close to 25 grams of protein. As the consequence, protein which is the essential nutrient will help to build the body muscle. Indeed, it is not only the protein foods that lead us to have strong muscle but going to the gym may help you to achieve your own dream. Moreover, protein in crayfish brings amino acids so it will be more valuable for the sake of body health. Then, if you want to consume protein foods, thus crayfish is very good as well.
4. Source of Magnesium
As a matter of fact, crayfish contain a lot of minerals. At this point, the one which we will describe is the presence of magnesium. As the consequence, it is known that magnesium takes an important role in promoting bone health and muscle. Magnesium is also important to relieve muscle aches and spasms. Even, it helps to prevent headaches. Thus, by knowing the health benefits of magnesium in crayfish, have you been interested in trying the cooked crayfish?
5. Source of Iron
To promote overall body health, we can consume the right foods with the great nutrients contained. In fact, iron is the major contributor in preventing the risks of anemia. At this point, iron is also beneficial to prevent chronic fatigue as well. As a result, it is recommended to consume crayfish as it will give you the iron nutrients for sure. For the tips, you can consume other iron foods like lettuce, beans, and peas to fulfill the iron needs in the body. Otherwise, deficiency of iron nutrients in the body will lead to certain health problems such as headaches and low fatigue.
6. Source of Sodium
Not only provide good iron and magnesium nutrients, but crayfish also provides the source of sodium it is known that sodium can help to maintain the fluid balance in the body. Moreover, it also prevents the presence of muscle cramps. Then, as crayfish contains the great sodium in it, you can choose this seafood as well. Besides, one of the important things is that you have to ensure you take the right intake of sodium which should be 2400 mg/day. For this reason, the excess amount of sodium intake will lead to a high level of blood pressure. In contrast, deficiency of sodium will increase the risks of confusion, dizziness, diarrhea, and low blood pressure.
7. Source of Potassium
The next mineral which crayfish has provided is the presence of potassium. As a result, potassium plays a major role for the important role in body functioning. At this point, potassium help promote muscle building. What is even great about potassium is the way it maintains normal blood pressure. Further, it also helps to strengthen the muscle and to promote the electrolytic functions. For the tips, you can consume crayfish together with potassium like bananas and avocado. Indeed, as crayfish is a great seafood, then you can add the essential nutrients to your body for sure.
8. Source of Selenium
What makes crayfish is valuable to be eaten is because this food contains selenium as well. As the consequence, selenium contained in crayfish helps to regulate thyroid function and prevent thyroid diseases. Not only for that, selenium is great in promoting fertility and reproduction. For the food options, you can also have tuna, salmon, and chia seeds as a good source of selenium. Then, as crayfish offers you a great range of health benefits, thus you can choose this one as your favorite food option.
9. Low in Fat
Do you need healthy foods that are low in fat? Then, having crayfish is one of the good solutions. In this case, crayfish are low in fat and contain only trace amounts of carbohydrates. As a result, this seafood will help you to do a healthy and nutritious diet. With the good consumption of the right food, then you can maintain the ideal body weight. Then, if you get bored with salads and green vegetables, thus you can try another tasty food like crayfish as well.
10. Promotes Bones Health
Everyone wants healthy bones. However, how we could reach we the best way to obtain the best health results? Then, choosing the best food is something you need to do rightly. Besides, due to the presence of calcium and phosphorus in crayfish, these vital minerals can help to promote bones health. Calcium is a mineral that helps to strengthen the bone’s structure and density. What is even great about calcium is the way of preventing the risks of osteoporosis. Thus, if you want to achieve healthy bones, then consuming crayfish is something that should be taken into account.
11. Have Omega-3 Fatty Acid
Most of the seafood provides omega-3 fatty acids. At this point, crayfish are also good at providing this nutrient. So, what makes this nutrient is beneficial to our body? Well, omega-3 fatty acids are known very valuable to prevent depression and anxiety. It is also known that omega-3 fatty acids are often found in many kinds of health supplements. Moreover, crayfish can lower blood pressure levels. Thus, crayfish as one of the delicious seafood will bring you to another step in reaching a healthier life.
Most of the seafood provides omega-3 fatty acids. At this point, crayfish are also good at providing this nutrient. So, what makes this nutrient is beneficial to our body? Well, omega-3 fatty acids are known very valuable to prevent the depression and anxiety. It is also known that omega-3 fatty acids are often found in many kinds of health supplements. Moreover, crayfish can lower blood pressure levels. Thus, crayfish as one of the delicious seafood will bring you to another step in reaching a healthier life.
12. Have Amino Acids and Iodine
Amino acids contained in crayfish take part in regulating the blood pressure level in the body. The nutrients are also beneficial to boost the immune system. Indeed, you may have never expected what benefits that crayfish has offered to you. Then, as this seafood is very valuable to be eaten, then you can choose this one as your daily option.
Besides, Iodine contained in crayfish will help to promote energy levels in the body. As the consequence, iodine has a role in maintaining the body’s immune system. Then, with crayfish, it is possible to obtain a healthier body and life as well.
13. Regenerates Body Cells
Crayfish is one of the great seafood which can help you obtain the best health results. In this case, crayfish provides essential vitamins and minerals. As the consequence, it is believed that consuming crayfish, it will bring benefits to the life. Then, as crayfish contains a good source of protein, then it will help to regenerate the body cells. For this reason, a good protein intake will help you to repair the broken cells and build new cells. Thus, by renewing the body cells, the body organs will work great as they should be.
14. Promotes Healthy Brain
There are several ways to increase and enhance brain functioning. One of the great ways is by consuming the right foods. Consequently, due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids, then crayfish are great to promote the work of brain functioning. As a result, this benefit is related to the presence of amino acids which give more energy to the brain. What is even great is that crayfish can help prevent the risks of Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids in crayfish are beneficial to boost cognitive function as well. What are the great benefits, right?
15. Prevents Depression
As a matter of fact, people nowadays tend to work harder to achieve the salary from their company. As the consequence, many people seem not to be truly happy. They often feel depressed in many times. Then, for the solution, as crayfish provides great nutrients in it, then it is believed that this food can help to deal with depression. At this point, this benefit is also linked to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids which promote mental health. Consequently, if you suffer from hard days or in bad condition, then crayfish will be there to help you to get rid o the risks of depression.
16. Improves Body Metabolism
As crayfish provides the good range of essential nutrients such as vitamins (vitamins such as B1, B3, biotin, B12, etc). As a result, crayfish with the great nutrients contained d will be valuable to improve the body metabolism. The presence of omega3 fatty acids in crayfish also allows this food to promote immune function by reducing the risks of diseases. Thus if you want to improve the body metabolism., having crayfish will fulfill your nutrient needs in the body for sure.
17. Boosts Energy LevelWhat will you do if you have no energy to do your daily tasks? As a matter of fact, we need energy as fuel in our life. We need the great nutrients from foods to boost the energy fuels as well. The energy itself will support the activity as well. Consequently, as crayfish provides the essential protein, thus it will be valuable to repair the cells resulting in building more energy levels. Thus, if you want to have an energizing life, then choosing crayfish as your food option will be a great way, too.
18. Promotes Heart Health
If you want to have the healthy heart, then you should apply the healthy lifestyle from now on. On the other hand, the presence of omega-3 fatty acids in crayfish, then it will be valuable to promote heart health. As the consequence, this nutrient will help reduce the risks of cardiovascular health problems such as strokes and heart attack as well. Besides, Sodium contained in crayfish takes part in preventing inflammation in the body. Consequently, it will prevent the risks of heart issues by maintaining the cholesterol balance for sure.
19. Promotes Eyes Health
Who does not wish for a healthy body? Well, as crayfish offers the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, then these nutrients play a major role in promoting overall body health. With the great nutrients contained in crayfish, it will reduce the risks of loss vision and macular degeneration. Indeed, by consuming the ideal amount of crayfish, you will get the best health results for sure. Then, for the tips, you can consume vitamin A foods like carrots and other green vegetables in order to promote a healthy vision.
20. Promotes Healthy Joints
What is great about crayfish is the way it provides essential nutrients to the body. In the same way, due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids in crayfish, then it shows a positive result in promoting healthy joints. As the consequence, it can help to ease tender joints and reduce morning stiffness. Indeed, seafood can help to reduce the risks of body inflammation including joint pain as well.
21. Cures Inflammation
As a matter of fact, our body needs strong protection so that it needs a strong immune system, too. Consequently, we have to consume the best foods in order to fulfill our nutrient needs. In the same way, due to the presence of protein and other vitamins, crayfish are beneficial to cure inflammation in the body. It increases the production of prostaglandins, compounds that can protect the body. Indeed, nutrients in crayfish can help protect the body from environmental stress. As a result, with this benefit, crayfish is great to protect the body against risks of certain health problems.
22. Promotes Healthy Skin
Surprisingly, crayfish can help you to promote beauty and healthy skin. This benefit is associated with the presence of omega-3 fatty acids which protect the skin against UV rays. As the consequence, with the great protection, nutrients in crayfish can help to deal with spots and blemishes. Thus, consuming crayfish, will help you to achieve youth and beautiful skin
Now, you have to know the health benefits of crayfish. Thus, if you want to consume the crayfish as the food, then it is recommended to look at the tips for consuming the crayfish below.
Tips for Consuming
- While buying crayfish, you can purchase the one that is frozen, cooked or alive. If you buy the cooked one, the color should be bright and red.
- For the recipe tips, you can have crayfish for the soups, salads, and pasta as well. Adding crayfish into the omelets, stir-fries, cornbread, enchiladas, is such a good idea.
To sum up, crayfish is great seafood to be eaten. This one is very valuable to promote overall body health due to the great nutrients contained. However, the high intake of crayfish consumption may lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular. Then, it is advised to consume it in moderation.
How to Eat
- Like other edible crustaceans, only a small portion of the body of a crayfish is eaten.
- In most prepared dishes, such as soups, bisques, and étouffées, only the tail portion is served.
- At crawfish boils or other meals where the entire body of the crayfish is presented, other portions, such as the claw meat, may be eaten.
- In France, dishes with a base or garnish of crayfish (écrevisse) are often described as à la Nantuaise.
- Crayfish tails and butter are also used to flavor the Nantua Sauce commonly served with Quenelles.
- Ma la flavored crayfish is shortened to “ma xiao” and is often enjoyed with a beer in a hot mid-summer evening in Beijing.
- Crayfish are a traditional seasonal appetizer that is used as an accompaniment to beer and liquor in Russia and Ukraine.
- Russians rarely include crayfish in complex dishes and, unlike other cultures; they usually consume the entire crayfish, short of the shell and the antennae.
- One traditional Swedish and Finnish practice is to eat crayfish with vodka or akvavit chaser.
Other Facts
- Crayfish are kept as pets in freshwater aquariums.
- The smallest crayfish is the 2.5-cm-long Cambarellus diminutions of the southeastern United States.
- The largest is the Astacopsis goal of Tasmania, which may reach 40 cm in length and weigh about 3.5 kg (8 pounds).
Tips
- Crayfish are territorial. Keeping multiple crayfish in one tank is not suggested. Do not keep them with fish small enough for them to eat or fish big enough to eat them.
- Crayfish in captivity typically live only about 2-3 years, but with proper treatment, they can live to 7-8 years.
- Crayfish that are old will feed at night and the younger ones feed during the day.
- Crayfish outgrow their exoskeleton from time to time and shed it in a process called molting. The hard protective shell will split down the back and the crayfish will emerge. When crayfish shed their exoskeleton, they are extremely vulnerable and will look for a place to hide. Provide sufficiently cover and remove all predatory creatures (including large snails and aggressive fish). Do not handle your crayfish until a new exoskeleton is fully developed (about one week).
- Crayfish love the dark so put them in the dark whenever you can.
- Avoid using cat food or any canned fish products. Canned fish is high in salt and preservatives and is actually more expensive than a three-dollar container of shrimp pellets that would last a single crayfish more than a year.
- Leave the crayfish in a dark shady space.
- Crayfish also like caves, if you can, get a small cave for your aquarium.
- If you want to breed crayfish, be very careful. You will have to find one that does not fight with the other one and interacts well.
- Crayfish will walk backward and raise their claws if threatened.
Warnings
- When you are transporting the crayfish via car, truck, or bus, be sure not to move it around too much. This could result in what some people call “crayfish soup.” This may sound funny, but it is a serious term that can cause your crayfish to become over-stressed and extremely confused. Some certain saltwater crayfish are more prone to this than most others. Be careful!
- Make sure that if you are keeping crayfish never keep them out of the aquarium no matter what unless you’re cleaning the tank.
- Don’t pick the crayfish up near its eyes or tail! If you do that, you might get pinched.
Few things you didn’t know about crayfish
- Crayfish have blue blood.
- Crayfish do not walk backward, however, they can swim backward by flapping their tail.
- The male crayfish has two extra legs under his belly.
- Signal crayfish have a pale patch near the claw hinge.
- Crayfish breathe with gills, just like fish.
- Crayfish are cannibals and eat each other.
- Crayfish must be at least 9 cm long when caught.
References:
Precautions
- The consumption of sea fish if one is trying to reduce inflammatory diseases such as heart disease.
- Farmed ones contain arsenic that leads to arsenic poisoning.
- Seafood should be cooked safely in order to prevent foodborne illness.
- Pregnant women, young children, older adults, people having lower stomach acid and compromised immune systems (HIV/AIDS, liver disease, cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, people taking steroids, chemotherapy, or immune system) are prone to higher risk.
- It might be contaminated with bacteria such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and other bacteria relate to land use, sewage discharges, runoff, etc. These microorganisms occur naturally in warm coastal waters which could cause even death or serious illness in individuals who are at higher risk.
- Listeria monocytogenes could cause a serious foodborne illness known as listeriosis.
- The virus Hepatitis A could survive in light cooking. So one should consume it after being properly cooked.
- Fish could have toxins that could cause illness such as ciguatoxin and scombrotoxin, or histamine poisoning.
- Sea fish is related to Scombrotoxin (histamine) which develops when fish is not kept cold enough. The symptoms develop quickly and also disappear completely within 24 hours.
- The flesh of tropical marine fishes might cause ciguatera poisoning experiencing gastrointestinal maladies that could last for several days, weakness in arms and legs, and reversal inability to differentiate between cold and hot. The symptoms could persist for weeks.
- Farmed seafood results in to increase in inflammation leading to weight gain, arthritis, and heart diseases.
- The imbalance ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 causes heart disease and hypertension.
- Seafood and fish in farms have polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organophosphorus (OPs), organochlorine (OC), trifluralin pesticides, and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) causing diseases or even death.
- The seafood has a high content of mercury, which may lead to mercury toxicity.
- Consume it in moderate amounts. So consume it with caution or Avoid consuming it raw.
- Some people might get allergic reactions. So avoid it.
- It has a high chance of contamination.
- One should limit its intake.
- Consult the doctor by pregnant women and children before consuming it. Children and pregnant women should avoid it because the high content of mercury might cause a negative impact on the development of the nervous system of a fetus.
- Seafood or fish have purines in it which is harmful to people having purine-related problems. Excess purines result in an excess buildup of uric acid that could lead to the formation of kidney stones as well as gout.
References