Crayfish Anatomy

As a crayfish grows, the exoskeleton doesn't grow, so it must be replaced.

The cheliped is used for grasping and handling food, as well as for defense.

The abdomen is the segmented part of the crayfish's body located behind the cephalothorax.

The carapace is the hard shell that covers the cephalothorax.

Crustacea.

Regeneration is the process of re-growing lost body parts such as chelipeds and walking legs.

Antennules are small sensory appendages used for touch and taste.

Walking legs are used for locomotion and movement on the substrate.

The telson is the terminal segment of the abdomen, used for propulsion in swimming.

Gills are used for respiration, allowing crayfish to extract oxygen from water.