Astacus fluviatilis; Print; Astacus astacus; the European crayfish; noble crayfish; or broad-fingered crayfish; is the most common species of crayfish in Europe; and a traditional food source. Like other true crayfish; A. astacus is restricted to fresh water; living only in unpolluted streams; rivers; and lakes. It is found from France throughout Central Europe; to the Balkan Peninsula; and north as far as parts of the British Isles; Scandinavia; and Eastern Europe. Males may grow up to 16 cm long; and females up to 12 cm.