Crayfish are the largest, mobile freshwater invertebrates with some 540 recognised species. They are of long standing interest to anatomists and physiologists. For their great commercial importance as a human food delicacy, crayfish are now becoming of wider interest to molecular biologists, and also to conservationists due to the fact that in some countries many of the native crayfish species are under threat from human activity, disease, and competition from other introduced crayfish species. This fully comprehensive book covers all major aspects of these important animals, including taxonomy, anatomy, evolution, growth and reproduction, behaviour, ecology, physiology, conservation, genetics, immunology, environmental aspects, and diseases. There are separate chapters on each genus of crayfish of commercial importance. Written by 22 well-known experts, Biology of Freshwater Crayfish has been carefully edited by David Holdich, internationally recognised for his work with these animals. The book is an essential purchase for anyone involved with the biology or exploitation of crayfish, including freshwater and invertebrate biologists and personnel involved in fisheries and aquaculture. Libraries in all universities and research establishments where biological sciences, fisheries or aquaculture are studied or taught should have copies of this important book on their shelves. Also available from Blackwell Publishing Freshwater Prawn Culture Edited by M. New & W. C. Valenti 0 632 05602 9 Krill Edited by I. Everson 0 632 05565 0 Spiny Lobsters Fisheries and Culture Edited by B. Phillips 0 85238 264 2 Crustacean Farming Second edition J. Wickins & D. O'C Lee 0 632 05464 6 Freshwater Biology (Journal) Published monthly ISSN: 0046 5070 To view our full range of fish related titles, visit our exciting website www.fishknowledge.com Editor is world leader in crayfish biology. Essential reading for anyone involved in crayfish biology or exploitation. Chapters by world's leading experts in crayfish. Covers commercially important species in depth.

Written by world experts in astacology, this book covers a range of aspects of the biology and ecology of freshwater crayfish. With a strong focus on wild crayfish, the book studies the taxonomy and genetics of this interesting group of animals. Under examination also are crayfish growth and reproduction, with detailed illustrations; behavior and c

For their great commercial importance as a human food delicacy, crayfish are now becoming of wider interest to molecular biologists, and also to conservationists due to the fact that in some countries many of the native crayfish species are under threat from human activity, disease, and competition from other introduced crayfish species. Helmed by

Integrating research into freshwater biodiversity and the role of keystone species, this fascinating book presents freshwater crayfish as representatives of human-exacerbated threats to biodiversity and conservation. It uses examples from these and other large decapod invertebrates to explore how communities function and are controlled, alongside the implications of human demands and conflicts over limited resources, notably the severe impacts on biodiversity. The discussion is structured around three key topics – the present situation of crayfish in world freshwater ecosystems, the applications of science to conservation management and knowledge transfer for successful crayfish management. It outlines the historic exploitation of crayfish, addressing the problems caused by invasive alien forms and explaining the importance of correct identification when dealing with conservation issues. Offering a global perspective on freshwater systems, the book ultimately highlights how the conservation of such large and long-lived species will help protect ecosystem quality in the future.

Crayfish are one of the most iconic freshwater crustacean groups of the world. The wide range of biological adaptations of the freshwater crayfish to the limnetic ecosystems is surprising, as is there is high potential of some taxa to become invasive species. There is a constant growing interest in develop research with freshwater crayfish. They can be an important food source in several countries, the aquarium pet trade and cultural importance, in addition to the presence of several imperiled species. This book brings important reviews of some aspects of diversity, biological features, evolution, habitat characteristics, behavior and conservation strategies of freshwater crayfish, including native taxa, especially endemic from South America, New Guinea and North America, and non-indigenous species. In South American, new species have been discovered in recent years and are classified in threat categories, indicating the need of more studies regarding taxonomy and conservation. For New Guinean species, data about their exploitation by humans and further perspectives about the improvement of conservation practices are presented. In relation to the North American crayfish, this book brings information about some aspects of biology and behavior of the burrowing species Procambarus acanthophorus. A global assessment and future perspectives for all alien crayfish species are also presented in this book. Regarding the partenogenetic marbled crayfish, Procambarus virginalis, the book brings an extensive review covering aspects of detection history, biology, ecology, evolution, systematics and utilization of this species in the world. In additon, an overview of integrative taxonomy studies and cryptic diversity in crayfish is also presented

"This publication describes Australia's Euastacus crayfish, the largest of the 10 genera of Australian freshwater crayfish. We cover the full 50 Euastacus species found in Australia, from the iconic giant Murray lobsters (Euastacus armatus), which are recreationally fished, to the exceedingly rare tiny species, like Euastacus maidae from the New South Wales-Queensland coastal border region ... The Euastacus crayfish are referred to as 'spiny crayfish' because they have impressive arrays of spines on their hard armoured shells."--Preface.

Invasive species have come to dominate 3% of the Earth’s ice-free surface, constituting one of the most serious ecological and economic threats of the new millennium, and freshwater systems are particularly vulnerable. This book examines the identity, distribution, and impact of freshwater non-indigenous species and the dynamics of their invasion. It focuses on old and new invaders and provides a starting point for further research.