Astacidae species are decapod crustaceans, meaning they possess ten jointed legs. The front pair of these legs is modified into large, powerful pincers known as or chelipeds, used for defense, feeding, and social interaction.
The Astacidae : Evolutionary Resilience and Modern Challenges astacidae
: Their bodies consist of a fused head and thorax (cephalothorax) protected by a tough exoskeleton and a segmented abdomen. Astacidae species are decapod crustaceans
: They are opportunistic omnivores, consuming everything from aquatic plants and leaf litter to insects, snails, and small fish. Diversity and Distribution powerful pincers known as or chelipeds
: They breathe through feather-like gills that allow them to extract oxygen from freshwater environments.