Crayfish

Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans of the order Decapoda, which includes crabs, shrimps, lobsters, and hermit crabs. Crayfish are nocturnally active, live in shallow freshwater habitats, and feed on aquatic plant and animal life, as well as dead organic matter. Their natural predators include fish, otters, turtles, and wading birds. Crayfish are particularly vulnerable to predation during their periodic molts, when their hard exoskeleton is shed to permit body growth. Aggressive behavior among crayfish often occurs over access to resources such as habitat, food, or mates. Crayfish are used by humans as live fish bait, and are also a popular culinary delicacy.