Crayfish Pre-Lab
External Structures
Carapace Appearance: Hard outer shell Location: Exterior of the body Function: Tough exoskeleton made of chitin; protects internal organs
Antennae Appearance: 2 long stalks Location: Front of head. Function: Sensory reception.
Chelipeds Appearance: Large pincher-claws Location: Anterior end; near the head Function: Used to grab food and for defense
Walking Legs Appearance: Long, thin legs Location: Ventral (belly) side, mid section Function: Movement
Swimmerets Appearance: Tiny feather-like legs Location: Ventral (belly) side near posterior Function: Help with swimming + grasping during mating
Uropods & Telson Appearance: Fan-like tail Location: Posterior (rear) end Function: Propel during swimming.
Mouth Appearance: Tiny lips Location: Front of head/anterior Function: Eating, intake of food
Maxillipeds Appearance: Tiny claws Location: Under head and Chelipeds. Function: Bring food to mouth.
Internal Structures
Brain Appearance: Fleshy piece Location: Directly inside head, by eyes. Function: Controls organs + responses.
Digestive Glands Appearance: Light yellowish masses Location: 1 on each side of head behind eyes Function: Secrete enzymes needed to digest food. Also called “green glands”
Stomachs Appearance: Fleshy light gray sacks Location: In between digestive glands Function: Grind up food (uses teeth-like structures).
Heart Appearance: Light brown lobe/flap. Location: Behind stomach + digestive glands Function: Pump + circulate throughout body
Intestine & Anus Appearance: Skinny tube + posterior opening Location: Leaving stomach, going down back. Function: Absorb nutrients + carry waste out of body.
Gills Appearance: White colored feathers Location: Sides of head, under shell. Function: Gas exchange (oxygen and CO2).
--Dissection Notes-- Lay crayfish on its belly. Find carapace behind head. Cut along lines + gently remove carapace. Identify internal + external organs.
Virtual Dissection… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cBGuEDxvNo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSGEt1mY2OM
Internal (Dorsal):
Deeper Internal (Dorsal):
Internal (Lateral)
Abdomen (Dorsal):