Ok.... I am having the same problem!!! Seems I have some fish with missing (bites out of fins) and didnt know where it came from... I have a ID Shark, Channel Cat, 1 Dalmation Molly (had 2, was dying {attacked} found on the cave where Cray lives, eaten!!!) 1 Pink Kisser, 2 Emerald Gourami and 3 Neon Tetras!! I now have my Pleco sitting in a seperate tank because alot of his fins are gone as well... dying!!
I've gotta now assume it's the Cray... so how do I set up a tank just for him on his own???
Sometimes when inexperienced people ask if something can be done or why something they are doing isnt going well, the best answer for the animals involved is just plain no.
fair point. but how will people ever learn how to keep Crayfish, in any way unless the inexperienced are allowed to gain knowledge? indeed experience is not even needed, just guidance from those who have it. the fact remains that even in cray only tanks, many people are both keeping and feeding their crays not only badly, but in an unhealthy way. its true to say that a cray does not know what 20% protein means. but for a cray to hunt it must be forced, as they do not act this way in nature. unless or until these critters are both housed and fed properly, nobody is going to get chance to gauge their true nature.
in truth i have muddied the thread with this comment on community keeping. my point is that we as a hobby, seem, consistently treat these guys in an unhealthy manner, as keepers it is up to us to ensure that our charges are fed and housed properly, feeding them on a totally unnatural diet, is not a very good start.
well first off you will need a tank of 20ukg minimum, if we are talking about a Redclaw, some North American Cray can do with less. i would suggest a long tank, say 3 feet, but the 20g in a minimum water requirement.
cray can be quite happy with a bare bottom tank, however, plain glass is somewhat more abrasive than even the sharpest gravel, odd i know but true, and it has been known to cause "tail blister". so i would suggest gravel of, pea gravel size to 1/4 inch.
an assortment of hides, even when the cray is housed on its own are a must. short lengths of UPVC pipe work as do some coconut shells, and half "terracotta" plant pots seem to be a great favourite amongst the Cray keeping community. Cray have a habit of moving even the biggest of decorations. so apart from the caves, i would suggest any deccor you use, is fairly light. they also have a habit of undermining things, and we don't want them to get trapped.
plants are not a good idea, as most Cray seem to destroy them on sight. so if you wish plastic will have to do.
Air stones also seem to be a great favourite with them too, many liking to play in the air bubbles.
it is a must that the tank is well cycled, and if possible that the outlet of the filter is above the water line, as stated, cray need a high O2 environment.
i would suggest a tank temp of about 76f, raising to 82+f if you are trying to breed.
lighting is more problematic. Redclaw cray need around 12 hours of light, but they do not take well to high light levels, so if possible, much of this light, should be natural. using low wattage lights to top up. extending the light time to 14 hours if you are trying to breed. it would also appear that UV light has much to do with the colour of your redclaw. so more UV seems to deepen the blue colour, another nod towards natural light.
Finally, tannins are very good for most stock, but Cray seem to benefit more than most, so i would suggest a bit of bogwood, rinsed but not boiled clear of tannins. its healthy for the Cray and, i think, it looks good too.
/www.fishforums.net/content/Freshwat...t-Blue-Lobster/
where?
