Madeline DiMichele: Freshwater Crayfish- Week 5

Using Jacquard fabric paints, I will paint the model to resemble the Cherax Pulcher. Because the fabric is absorbent and the paint is very thin, it is more like dyeing the fabric than painting it.

I also added sequins and black beads for the eyes.

The reason I chose this crayfish to paint is because I was so struck by its dramatic coloring. I grew up knowing crayfish as just small reddish brown crustaceans and I had no idea they could be so unique.

The majority of these rare and colorful species are bred for the pet trade which brings up two main concerns: a concern that they will become invasive in non-native areas, and a concern of the over-exploitation of their natural habitats.

Because crayfish are freshwater, it makes them a more desirable pet to keep in aquariums. When they are released into the wild in places they are not native, they can spread disease, overpopulate, and outcompete other native flora and fauna.