Biology and Ecology of Crayfish

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 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