There are about 150 crayfish species in North America, and over 540 species worldwide. Crayfish live in streams, rivers, swamps, ponds, and other freshwater habitats.
Most crayfish are strictly aquatic but some live in semi-aquatic environments.
This crustacean has a hard exoskeleton that protects and supports the body. It has 2 large pincers or claws called chelipeds. The head and thorax are fused, forming the cephalothorax. Using gills, a crayfish breathes oxygen that is dissolved in water. Juvenile crawfish are light tan, but adults are deep red.