Subject matter of experiments and observations of water animals in school aquarium (Crayfish, Astacida)
Abstract
Crayfish are aquatic freshwater crustaceans that breathe through gills. They are found in flowing and stagnant water.
Most crayfish cannot tolerate polluted water. Their body consists of twenty body segments grouped into two main body parts, the cephalothorax and the abdomen.
They have five pairs of walking limbs, with prominent claws on the first pair. Many species are susceptible to infections such as crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci).
In some European countries, native species of crayfish are threatened by imported species from North America (e.g., Procambarus clarkii, Faxonius limosus, Pacifastacus leniusculus, Procambarus fallax f. virginalis), which are carriers of crayfish plague. This contribution provides instructions for keeping them in school aquaria, along with suggestions for observations and experiments.
The listed non-native species are suitable for breeding in an aquarium (also the pygmy species of Cambarellus patzcuerensis, in orange or blue varieties, is popular among aquarists), because native species living in the Czech Republic are protected by law. This contribution describes the conditions for rearing of creyfishes and some ideas for experiments and observations in a school aquarium.