ASTACUS FLUVIATILIS Meaning and
Definition
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Astacus fluviatilis, commonly known as the European crayfish or noble crayfish, refers to a species of freshwater crustacean belonging to the family Astacidae. This species is native to various rivers and freshwater habitats throughout Europe, including the British Isles.
The European crayfish has a distinctive appearance, characterized by a robust body and a hard exoskeleton that serves as protection. It typically reaches lengths of up to 16 centimeters and possesses a pair of large pincers or claws that it uses for defense and hunting prey. The coloration of this crayfish can vary, but it commonly exhibits shades of brown or green, which often blend with the surrounding environment to provide camouflage.
As a freshwater species, Astacus fluviatilis inhabits rivers, streams, and lakes with clean, well-oxygenated water. It prefers habitats with plenty of shelter such as rocks, submerged vegetation, and burrows, where it can hide and protect itself from predators. Furthermore, this crayfish is primarily nocturnal and becomes more active during the night, utilizing its keen sense of smell and touch to locate food sources such as small invertebrates, insects, mollusks, and plant matter.
Astacus fluviatilis is a protected species in many countries due to the decline in populations caused by various threats, including pollution, habitat destruction, and the introduction of non-native crayfish species that carry diseases fatal to the European crayfish. Conservation efforts have been implemented to ensure the survival and restoration of Astacus fluviatilis populations, including the establishment of protected areas and breeding programs to reintroduce captive-bred individuals back into the wild.
Etymology of ASTACUS FLUVIATILIS
The word Astacus fluviatilis is derived from Latin.
- Astacus originates from the Greek word astakos, which means lobster or crayfish.
- Fluviatilis is also a Latin term, derived from fluvius, meaning river, and tilis, meaning pertaining to.
Therefore, Astacus fluviatilis can be translated to mean river lobster or lobster of the river.
