Tree crayfish (SciiFii)

The tree crayfish (Afroatascus longiceps), also known as the tree crawdad, the fruit lobster, and the trawdad, is a species of crayfish, most closely related to crayfish of the genus Astacus, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests of Africa to help boost biodiversity. The tree crayfish grows to be around 30 centimeters (1 foot) long on average. the tree crayfish is unique among crayfish, due to the fact that it is adapted to an almost fully-terrestrial lifestyle, being found kilometers away from the water. As a herbivore, the tree crayfish feeds primarily on fruits and decaying vegetation in the forest floor and high up in the trees, hence its name. The tree crayfish is a strong climber and uses its legs to hang onto branches while the front claws are used for feeding. Female tree crayfish will, however, return to the water, as they reproduce and spend the first stage of their lives underwater. During this time, the young tree crayfish have an omnivorous diet composed both by algae and scraps of dead fish and other crustaceans. After they reach one centimeter in length, they will migrate to land and start feeding more on vegetation, with the oldest specimens feeding almost exclusively on fruits (including berries). The conservation status of the tree crayfish is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the tree crayfish's wide range.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii