Fascinating World of Crayfish w/Dr. Zachary Graham

All Creatures Podcast

Nature, Science, Natural Sciences

4.7 • 563 Ratings

🗓️ 28 January 2026

⏱️ 54 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Angie dives into the intricate and essential world of crayfish, also known as crawfish or crawdads, with biologist and crayfish expert Dr. Zachary Graham. Dr. Graham, author of 'Crayfish, Crawfish, and Crawdads: The Biology and Conservation of North America's Favorite Crustaceans,' shares his journey from a childhood love of animals to becoming an expert in crayfish biology. He explains the importance of these crustaceans in freshwater ecosystems, their surprising diversity in colors, sizes, and habitats, and their intricate behaviors and interactions. The episode also touches on the conservation challenges crayfish face due to human impact and invasive species, providing listeners with actionable steps to support crayfish preservation and water health. Whether you're a biology enthusiast or simply curious about these lesser-known creatures, this episode is packed with intriguing facts and insights. Timeline 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Topic 00:22 Meet Dr. Zachary Graham: Crayfish Expert 01:35 Zachary's Journey to Crayfish Research 10:16 Understanding Crayfish: Names and Diversity 15:48 The Ecological Importance of Crayfish 24:48 Crayfish Behavior and Sensory Systems 26:20 Crayfish Communication Through Urine 27:38 Unique Sensory Abilities of Crayfish 29:03 Crayfish Foraging and Feeding Habits 30:45 Conservation Challenges for North American Crayfish 32:50 Invasive Species and Their Impact 35:01 Freshwater Ecosystem Health 36:50 How to Help Crayfish Conservation 41:00 The Importance of Crayfish Diversity 45:29 Advice for Aspiring Biologists 48:59 Conclusion and Book Promotion =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	You're listening to an Airwave Media podcast. The Philly Cheese Stack is back at McDonald's and it's still intensely cheesy. Imagine the cheesiest thing ever. Now cover it in cheese. Add two beef patties, cheddar cheese sauce, crispy onions and even more cheese. The Philly Cheese Stack. Did we mention it's cheesy? Available until the 16th of March, 26, from 11 a.m. Fees applied to delivery orders. Price and participation may vary. Subjects availability. Pam, are you here to game with me? In a minute, Ryan. But first, it's time to share what's happening on the 10 News podcast. The 10 News is a kids' news podcast for curious 8 to 12-year-olds that even grown-ups can learn from. What else is there to say? That we cover everything from the Supreme Court in the war in Ukraine to Pokemon and Minecraft and will always tell you 10 things you need to know. And we're available wherever you get your podcasts. Is it game time now, Pam? It's game time, Ryan. Welcome back to All Creatures Podcast.
1:17.8	I'm Angie, and today we're heading into the muddy world of a small but mighty creature, the crayfish.
1:25.2	Rather you call them crayfish, crawdads, these crustaceans are vital to freshwater ecosystems,
1:32.2	especially in the diverse waterways of the American Southeast and Appalachia.
1:36.8	Joining me today is biologist and crayfish expert, Dr. Zachary Graham, author of the new book
1:42.9	Crafish, Crawfish, and Crawdads, The Biology and Conservation of North
1:47.7	American's Favorite Custations. And Zachary is an expert on these fascinating creatures, and today he
1:55.0	will take us on a journey through streams, springs, and roadside ditches to reveal how these
2:00.1	colorful and adaptable animals help shape our
2:03.4	environment and why they urgently need our protection. Hopefully after this interview today,
2:09.3	you too will be an advocate and an enthusiast for all things crawfish. So hello, Zachary.
2:16.2	Hey, how's it going? Thank you for having me. Oh my gosh. I am so glad you're here
2:20.9	today because Chris and I have been doing this podcast for a long time. I think almost close to seven or eight
2:25.7	years now. And we have not covered a crawfish on podcast. So I'm excited to learn a ton of day. I'm sure our listeners are as well. And yeah,
2:38.0	and we'll touch on your book and just it's going to be great. I have my tea right here. So I'm
2:43.2	hoping you spill the tea on all the secrets of these cool little creatures. So thank you for
2:48.5	being here today. And before I get started, I was hoping you can give our listeners
2:52.8	a little background about yourself. Did you always love nature, love animals? Has it always been
3:00.8	crayfish for you? Is that your favorite animal? I want to know. So what's a little bit about your history? Yeah. So I grew up
3:11.2	outside of Pittsburgh, outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. And so outside of Steel Town.
3:16.8	Yeah. Yep. Steel City. Steel City. City of Bridges. So I grew up, you know, in a pretty
3:23.5	suburban type environment. But I always loved
	...

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