CRAWFISH VS CRAYFISH

Crawfish? Crayfish? Crawdads? Mudbugs?

Depending on where you are located, there is a good chance you are referring to the same delicious critter we like to call the crawfish down here in Louisiana.

Technically we are referring to the same thing, the freshwater crustaceans found throughout the United States that resemble little lobsters. No matter what word you use to refer to them, they are equally delicious (especially if you use Cajun Crawfish’s boil recipe).

The History of a Name

Crawfish are more common in the Southeastern United States, including Louisiana, due to the wet, subtropical climate and the name. In the far north/ northeast “crayfish” is more commonly used, whereas the name “crawdads” are most commonly used in scattered areas, such as Northern California and Oregon, Kansas, Missouri, Northeast Kentucky and West Virginia.

The Name

The word “crayfish” or “crawfish” actually comes from an old French word, escrevisse. The word was modified to crayfish over time, and then “crawfish” in the Southern United States. Crawdad and Mudbug are derived from these two words to give more local flair.

Call Them What You Want

As you can see, there is really no right or wrong answer to what to call them – crawfish, crayfish, mudbugs, or crawdads – as long as you know how to eat them!

Fortunately, Cajun Crawfish offers both live crawfish during crawfish season and whole boiled crawfish all year-round so you can enjoy them anytime while you debate with your friends about what they should be called.

Order yours today and enjoy these delicious crustaceans at your next meal!