Small creatures have a huge battle at the bottom of this Canadian lake

Crayfish very closely resemble lobsters. In fact, in outward appearance, they are almost miniature versions of their much larger cousins. These ferocious crustaceans inhabit the fresh water lakes and rivers of North America and Europe. They have eight legs and large claws on strong arms. They have bodies and tails that are exactly like lobsters.Show more

But these animals rarely grow larger than 15cm (6 inches) in length. They live under rocks and among stumps, feeding largely on dead and rotting animals. They are very important for promoting cleanliness in bodies of fresh water, and they also provide a source of food for many of the larger fish, like bass.

A family of scuba divers were exploring the depths of Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, in Tobermory, Ontario. Among the tugboat wrecks that were the focus of their excursion, they came across this epic battle on the sand, 30 feet below the surface. The crayfish were likely in competition for breeding and feeding grounds. They each had the other in a death grip. Fights like these will often result in one or both of them losing a claw. Although these limbs will grow back, they are often smaller than the original limb.