Astacus astacus

Astacus astacus, the noble crayfish, is a large freshwater crayfish native to Europe. It lives in clean, oxygen-rich waters and is threatened by habitat loss and crayfish plague.

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Crayfish: Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans resembling small lobsters, with hard exoskeletons and large pincers. The noble crayfish is one species within this group of freshwater crustaceans.
Crayfish feeding: Crayfish feeding includes consuming aquatic plants, algae, detritus, and animal matter. The noble crayfish is an omnivore that helps process organic material in its habitat.
Crayfish aquaculture: Crayfish aquaculture is the breeding and raising of crayfish for food or conservation. Captive breeding can supply noble crayfish for restocking suitable waters.
Signal crayfish: The signal crayfish is a North American crayfish introduced to Europe and a carrier of crayfish plague. It spreads plague and competes with the native noble crayfish in European waters.
Decapoda: Decapoda is the order of crustaceans that includes crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and crayfish. Its ten walking legs place the noble crayfish among decapods.
Crayfish molting: Crayfish molting is the periodic shedding and replacement of the animal's exoskeleton. Molting enables growth and leaves the noble crayfish temporarily soft and vulnerable.
Crayfish cuisine: Crayfish cuisine uses freshwater crayfish as food, often boiled or served in regional dishes. The noble crayfish has long been valued as a European food species.
Red swamp crayfish: The red swamp crayfish is a North American species widely introduced beyond its native range. Its spread illustrates how introduced crayfish can alter habitats occupied by native species.
Exoskeleton: An exoskeleton is a rigid external structure that supports and protects an animal's body. A mineralized exoskeleton protects the crayfish but must be shed for growth.
Crayfish reproduction: Crayfish reproduction involves mating and the development of eggs, often carried beneath the female's tail. Females carry fertilized eggs through winter before young hatch in spring.