Is the crawfish a type of shrimp?
May 26, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
In general, crayfish do not belong to the traditional definition of shrimp, but rather to the family Cambaridae (freshwater crayfish). Crayfish differ significantly from true shrimp in terms of morphological characteristics, behavioral habits, and ecological niches. Crayfish are relatively larger in size and have prominent chelipeds (claws), which shrimp do not possess. Additionally, crayfish primarily inhabit freshwater environments, whereas shrimp are widely distributed in both freshwater and marine environments.
Generally speaking, the crawfish does not belong to the traditional sense of shrimp, but belongs to the family Cambaridae. The detailed analysis is as follows:
From the perspective of biological classification, crawfish differ greatly from true shrimp in morphological characteristics, living habits, and ecological niches. Crawfish are relatively larger in size and have obvious chelipeds, which shrimp lack; crawfish mainly inhabit freshwater environments, whereas shrimp are widely distributed in both freshwater and marine environments; crawfish are more omnivorous, while shrimp are primarily carnivorous or filter feeders.
In daily life, it is recommended to choose fresh crawfish—those with strong vitality, bright shells, and no unpleasant odor—and avoid consuming dead shrimp. Thoroughly wash before cooking, such as scrubbing the shell and removing the digestive tract to reduce impurities. During cooking, ensure they are fully cooked; boiling or steaming until the meat turns red and is thoroughly done is generally recommended, to avoid parasitic infection caused by undercooking.
A balanced and comprehensive diet should be followed in daily life, ensuring intake of a variety of foods including grains, vegetables, fruits, etc., to meet the body's nutritional needs.
