America's Crayfish: Crawling in Troubled Waters

Underwater photography and interviews with scientists provide a close-up look at the behavior of the crayfish, a freshwater crustacean that plays a key role in the ecosystem. Able to filter water through their gills, crayfish eat microscopic particles as well as leaves, twigs, insects, animals, and other materials. They can swim backward quickly and are popular with humans as food, pets, fishing bait and food for fish. Around 360 species inhabit streams, lakes and ponds east of the Rockies, with a few on the federal list of endangered species. This informative presentation explains the importance of crayfish to the ecosystems they inhabit and why biologists are concerned with their future, and should therefore be of special interest to nature lovers, environmentalists, and fishing fans. Recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (J. McDaniel)