Crayfish form an important part of the ecosystems of they rivers and streams that They live in. Crayfish eats smaller aquatic animals, as well as providing food for Fish and Birds. Crayfish can be divided into Those living in streams, Those living in marshes, Those living in burrows, and Those living in underground streams. This surprises many people, since to them all Crayfish are the same.
Crayfish from different places are quite different in their appearance. For example, the Long-pincered Crayfish has a slender build and long, narrow pincers. This colorful Crayfish is found in stream pools, where there are numerous crevices. Meanwhile, the Neosho Midget Crayfish is built like a bus, short and stout with heavy pincers. This small brown Crayfish lives in short burrows that He digs in the bottoms of gravelly streamlets.
Found in ponds and creeks, Crayfish, the smaller, freshwater brother of Lobster, goes about His business eating small aquatic creatures. Moving slowly, Crayfish is unconcerned because of His tail. When threatened, Crayfish spreads the tail into a fan to form a broad blade. By flipping His tail in water, Crayfish can propel Himself backwards quickly. Going backwards, Crayfish faces the attacker waving His pincers. Crayfish teaches: be careful, not so laid-back that you get caught and eaten.
Crayfish's Teachings Also Include:
"A potent symbol of productiveness, legend has it that the Crayfish helped Spirit in the re-creation of Mother Earth by bringing mud up from the depth of the Great Flood." Copyright: "Australian Animal Dreaming", Scott Alexander King.
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Photo of Crayfish courtesy of U.S. National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Va. Carper
May 2, 2008