keeping crayfish

[fish_newbie]

i just got a new 5g and im think of keeping one of those blue crayfish guys ..what do i need to know about keeping these? habitat, feeding, etc...

 

[xXMrBonesXx]

eerrrr ... blue lobster or crayfish?

 

[fish_newbie]

hmmmmm ..im pretty sure its crayfish

 

[xXMrBonesXx]

ok on further reading this is formed by breeding cryfish so im guessing there the same thing if im wrong let me know

heres some info http/www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Di...1&TopCatId=1075

 

[Narayan]

eerrrr ... blue lobster or crayfish?

You will find that they are the same thing. As regards keeping them healthy, you can feed them live fish but they seldon catch them. They are basically scavengers and will eat any thing (you should see the state of my plastic plants) veg bits of meat, and also fish food, catfish pellets and crab cusine (which is rich in calcium). I got a tip of chucking crushed eggshell in there for them to chew on . All good for their exo-skeleton.

 

[fish_newbie]

ooo cool ..thanks for all the info

hmmm.. would ghost shrimp be too fast for the lil guy to eat?

 

[Narayan]

Ive chucked in ghost shrimp for mine and they do eventually get them. Although, I had one ghost shrimp that lasted two months before he got caught. I named him Flucky (no not a typing error)

 

[fish_newbie]

my crayfish is constantly trying to get out of my tank ..is there something wrong with it? or does he just wanna go into my 10g cause its planted and maybe it wants a bite out of my plants?

 

[FishDan]

He's fine. Crayfish are known to be "escape artists" and hav a habit of getting out of tanks. He doesn't "want" to go to another tank, he just wants to move around.

\Dan

 

[Narayan]

My first crayfish/lobster got out of his tank and left a small trail of destruction in his wake. Luckly I checked on him in the morning ('cos I was going away for the weekend) and I found him (after following his trail) back at the tank, he was very dried out and stiff. I popped him into the tank and rang the fishstore I got him from. They said as long as his internal organs hadn't been affected, he'd be ok. And he was, but sadly he died a year later from what I believe was moult death.

All I can say is seal any cracks and weigh down your tank lid, I found my new Cray lifting the tank lid the other day. Strong little buggers.

 

[samthefishman]

Crayfish live in the water, altho they love being out and exploring! they can walk 2km + in one night but if they are walking about it because they are looking for a new place.
If he is new to your tank hes gonna be doing all he can to explore it. Just chuck on a lid because these guys are the best when it comes to escaping

 

[amazingbioloboydp]

can any type of cats live with them

 

[FishDan]

can any type of cats live with them

I wouldn't put any slower moving and/or bottom dwelling fish with these animals. Not unless your point is to feed them to the lobster/crayfish/wather you want to call him. They are usually quite agressive and will eat any fish that it can catch, that strays to close, that is sleeping/resting or that is not well. They may even go after other fish too. If you insist on keeping fish with these guys, don't get overly attached, as they may start vanishing. Try keeping mid to upper level fish and ones that are fast moving to help reduce or at least dely fish losses.

\Dan

 

[samthefishman]

easyiest way to explain, fire and water dont go well 2gether. Fish and crays dont either.

 

[Paul_MTS]

What size tanks are you keeping them in, I think I was advised to a 20g so a 3ft tank.

I was thinking of just looking out for a tank in mind of maybe 1 or 2 (how many adults in a 20g??)