Red Swamp Crawfish Podcast: Extras

Images

Facts

These freshwater crustaceans are also known as crawfish or crawdads. Where did the name “crayfish” come from? One theory is that it is based on a 14th-century French word, crevice. Another theory is that it comes from an old German word, krebitz, for “little crab.”

Species can end up traveling the world when they hitch a ride on the hulls of ships or are discharged in bilge water. In their new homes, they are often invasive pests. Meet the zebra mussel and the club tunicate.The zebra mussel can foul the exhaust pipes of power stations, and club tunicates (also known as sea squirts) can clog aquaculture cages, smothering other marine organisms.

In some parts of the world, spiny lobsters are also called crayfish. Spiny lobsters live in the sea, not fresh water.  

Participate

Crawfish are popular on menus the world over. Do you have a favorite crawfish dish in your corner of the world? Share it with us on Twitter (@eol), with the hashtag #eolcrayfish.

Learn how to enjoy the boating on the water without spreading aquatic hitchhikers. Visit protectyourwaters.net for information on invasives and tips on detection and monitoring.