Abstract
This publication opens with general information on crayfish biology, external morphology, reproduction, development, food and predation. An overview is given of crayfish, both European and worldwide, their distribution, classification and origin.
Species occurring in Europe are listed with comments on their known distribution. Special emphasis is given to recognition of introduced species where there is significant danger of their spreading throughout the freshwater systems of the Czech Republic.
The major chapters of this work are devoted to the five crayfish species (Austropotamobius torrentium, Astacus astacus, Astacus leptodactylus, Pacifastacus leniusculus, Orconectes limosus) living in the Czech Republic. Emphasis is placed on their precise identification, and the opening chapters are focused on overviews and comparative diagnoses of each species.