Astacoidea

Astacoidea is a superfamily of freshwater crustaceans commonly known as crayfish, crawfish, or crawdads. These decapods are characterized by their distinctive segmented bodies, hard exoskeletons, and ten legs, the first pair of which are typically large claws used for defense, predation, and manipulating food. Astacoids inhabit a wide range of freshwater environments, including rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds, across all continents except Africa and Antarctica.

The superfamily Astacoidea is divided into two families: Astacidae and Cambaridae. Astacidae includes species found in North America and Eurasia, while Cambaridae is exclusively found in North America. Within these families, there are numerous genera and species, exhibiting a considerable diversity in size, coloration, and habitat preference. Many species are important components of their aquatic ecosystems, acting as both predators and prey.

In addition to their ecological roles, crayfish have economic and cultural significance. They are harvested for food in many parts of the world and are also popular as aquarium pets. However, the introduction of invasive crayfish species has become a significant environmental concern, as they can outcompete native species, introduce diseases, and disrupt food webs. Conservation efforts are underway in many regions to protect native crayfish populations and manage the impacts of invasive species.