Description
Book SynopsisWritten 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 chemical ecology of crayfish; diseases of crayfish; holistic understanding of drivers for crayfish population success; and methods for the control of non-native crayfish.
Trade ReviewAs indicated in the preface, the editors agree with Thomas Henry Huxley, author of the foundational book The crayfish. An introduction to the Study of Zoology (1880), that "… crayfish are an ideal model organism for study." The editors carry out their intent in ten chapters that cover taxonomy and identification; population genetics; growth and reproduction; behavior; chemical ecology; parasites, commensals, pathogens, and diseases; environmental drivers for population success; field sampling techniques; laboratory methods; and the management of invasive crayfish. Most chapters have multiple authors, the majority of whom are from institutions outside of the United States—this book represents an international endeavor. Each chapter concludes with a helpful overview/summary, followed by many pages of references. The book abounds with diagrams, photos, and tables, all of which are clear and related to the textual material of the chapters. The book includes an adequate index to all chapters. Although the writing style is technical in nature and oriented towards aquatic biologists, hobbyists and field naturalists will find the book useful. Another edited book, published by CRC—Freshwater Crayfish: A Global Overview (2015)—covers many of the same topics as this volume.
--L. T. Spencer, Plymouth State University, Appeared in February 2017 issue of CHOICE
As indicated in the preface, the editors agree with Thomas Henry Huxley, author of the foundational book The crayfish. An introduction to the Study of Zoology (1880), that "… crayfish are an ideal model organism for study." The editors carry out their intent in ten chapters that cover taxonomy and identification; population genetics; growth and reproduction; behavior; chemical ecology; parasites, commensals, pathogens, and diseases; environmental drivers for population success; field sampling techniques; laboratory methods; and the management of invasive crayfish. Most chapters have multiple authors, the majority of whom are from institutions outside of the United States—this book represents an international endeavor. Each chapter concludes with a helpful overview/summary, followed by many pages of references. The book abounds with diagrams, photos, and tables, all of which are clear and related to the textual material of the chapters. The book includes an adequate index to all chapters. Although the writing style is technical in nature and oriented towards aquatic biologists, hobbyists and field naturalists will find the book useful. Another edited book, published by CRC—Freshwater Crayfish: A Global Overview (2015)—covers many of the same topics as this volume.
--L. T. Spencer, Plymouth State University, Appeared in February 2017 issue of CHOICE
Table of ContentsTaxonomy and Identification. Population Genetics of Crayfish: Endangered and Invasive Species. Crayfish Growth and Reproduction. Behavior of Freshwater Crayfish. Chemical Ecology of Crayfish. Parasites, Commensals, Pathogens and Diseases of Crayfish. Environmental Drivers for Population Success: Population Biology, Population and Community Dynamics. Sampling Techniques for Crayfish. Laboratory Methods for Crayfish Studies. The Management of Invasive Crayfish.
