CRAYFISH
SUPERFAMILY: Astacoidea
OTHER NAMES: Crawfish, crawdads, freshwater lobsters, mountain lobsters, mudbugs
Nigeria: Ayiya (Igbo),
Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans resembling small lobsters. They are members of the superfamilies Astacoidea and Parastacoidea. Some species are found in brooks and streams where there is running fresh water, while others thrive in swamps, ditches, and rice paddies. Most crayfish cannot tolerate polluted water. Crayfish feed on living and dead animals and plants. Adult size is reached by crayfish in the wild in about 4 years. They can live from 20 to 30 years.
The name "crayfish" comes from the Old French word escrevisse. In Singapore, the term crayfish refers to Thenus orientalis. In Australia, New Zealand and South Africa crayfish refers to spiny lobster (saltwater) while freshwater crayfish are called yabby or kōura in indigenous Australia and Māori.
It is consumed in so many countries like America, Madagascar, Nigeria, Singapore, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. They are used as food, bait and pets. But the species we have in Nigeria is probably different. They are like mini lobsters. I don't know if they are under developed or if their sizes are just like that. Here are photos of Nigerian Crayfish below.
NUTRITIONAL & HEALTH VALUES
Vitamin B-12
Crayfish protein has large amounts of the amino acids tyrosine that mentally energizes the brain.
It has a healthy supply of vitamins D and A
It contains minerals like calcium, potassium, copper and zinc.
It contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids
SWIT KITCHEN’S NOTE: Remember too much of everything is bad. Eat in moderation. Not too much and not too little. #Balanceyourlife