European crayfish facts for kids
The noble crayfish (also known as Astacus astacus, European crayfish, or broad-fingered crayfish) is a type of crayfish found in Europe. Like other crayfish, it lives in fresh water. You can find it in clean streams, rivers, and lakes.
Quick facts for kids Astacus astacus |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Astacidae
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Astacus
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A. astacus
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| Astacus astacus (Linnaeus, 1758)
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Astacus fluviatilis Fabricius, 1775 |
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Contents
Where Noble Crayfish Live
The noble crayfish lives across many parts of Europe. You can find them in France, Central Europe, the Balkan peninsula, the British Isles, Scandinavia, and western parts of the former Soviet Union. These crayfish need clean, fresh water to survive.
About Noble Crayfish
Noble crayfish are nocturnal. This means they are most active at night. During the day, they usually rest hidden in a burrow or under rocks.
Size and Diet
Male noble crayfish can grow up to 16 centimeters (about 6 inches) long. Females are a bit smaller, reaching about 12 centimeters (about 5 inches). They eat many different things. Their diet includes worms, aquatic insects, mollusks, and plants.
Reproduction
Noble crayfish become old enough to have babies when they are three to four years old. They usually breed in October and November each year. The female crayfish carries her eggs with her. The eggs stay attached to her until May, when they hatch.
Predators
Many animals like to eat noble crayfish. Some of their common predators include minks, eels, perch, pikes, otters, and muskrats.
Images for kids
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Noble crayfish can vary greatly in colour.
See also
In Spanish: Cangrejo de río europeo para niños
