Q&A for How to Take Care of Crayfish

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  • Question
    I have two baby crayfish in a 50 inch fish tank. The water is just above their heads. I also have places for them to hide but no place for them to dig. Is that an acceptable environment for them?
    Community Answer
    Yes -- crayfish can live fine with those conditions. Make sure to separate them when they're molting, as they frequently tend to eat each other.
  • Question
    When do crayfish eat?
    Community Answer
    You can usually put sinking fish food pellets in the tank at any time and leave them alone. They will eat fine without you timing your feedings for your crayfish.
  • Question
    Step 2 mentions that a crayfish will drown in 3-6 hours if the water is over their head. How can I be sure the level is safe, and would an oxygen filter be helpful for this situation?
    Community Answer
    Crayfish need a lot of oxygen, so it definitely good to have an air pump to add oxygen to the water. With this they can remain submerged 24/7.
  • Question
    Can Crayfish eat lettuce and celery and other leafy veggies?
    Community Answer
    They can! They also like peas and carrots.
  • Question
    Can I keep two crayfish in one tank?
    Community Answer
    As this article says, it's not recommended that you put more than one crayfish in a tank, but if you do, you should make sure they have enough space to themselves (10 gallons per crayfish) and enough places to hide. Also, if you do have multiple crayfish in one tank, make sure they are of the same species, or they are likely to kill each other.
  • Question
    How often should crayfish be fed?
    Community Answer
    Crayfish should not be fed too frequently. If you have the time to feed a bit every day or you're more comfortable with that, that's fine too.
  • Question
    How long can crayfish stay out of water?
    Community Answer
    About 30 minutes to 3 hours, but even then it is risky. Keep that lid on tight!
  • Question
    Can they live in faucet water?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you need to get a dechlorinator and something to balance the ph level.
  • Question
    Is a crayfish tank like a normal freshwater fish tank with just extra bubbles?
    Community Answer
    Yes. But you need to add lots of places for them to hide.
  • Question
    How do I prevent it from pinching me?
    Community Answer
    Make sure to pick it up by its back. They might be able to reach back, but usually you're safe.
  • Question
    Can crayfish live safely along side of a Betta fish?
    Community Answer
    It is not recommended, because the crayfish or Betta may hurt or even kill each other.
  • Question
    My crawdad keeps flipping himself upside down and grabbing his long tinical. His other tinical is shortened like he clipped it. There are also two tips of the big pinchers in the tank but he has all of his. Is this normal?
    Community Answer
    This is all normal -- he is just wanting either more food or he is going through the growing stage.
  • Question
    Can crayfish live in a pond with goldfish? I take all of my fish inside for winter and they stay in a 55 gallon tank until spring.
    Community Answer
    Crayfish will be happy and healthy with your other fish as long as they have enough food and are in healthy water.
  • Question
    If I found a crayfish in my yard, do I need to immediately put it in water? How long can it survive outside water?
    Community Answer
    Crayfish can survive two hours without water, but then they need water immediately.
  • Question
    How can I tell when they are going to shed?
    Community Answer
    When their skin start to look loose, then you will know when they are going to shed.
  • Question
    Is sink or pure water safe for the crayfish to be in, and how often should I clean the bowl?
    Community Answer
    Tap water is fine for crayfish, and the bowl should be cleaned at least once a week.
  • Question
    My new baby crayfish was found in fresh water yesterday and won't eat. What do I feed my crayfish?
    Community Answer
    Try maybe catching some minnows or get algae wafers, my crayfish loved them. When they molt it means they're happy, but beware, crayfish sometimes can't come out of their molt and die, but do not touch or try to help them molt.
  • Question
    Can crayfish eat goldfish/tropical fish food?
    Community Answer
    They may be able to grab the big flakes but it would be difficult for them to pick up the small ones. Plus it would take a lot of flakes to satisfy a cray fish's appetite.
  • Question
    What stores can I buy crayfish food from?
    Community Answer
    You can buy crayfish food at a pet store. Shrimp pellets, or fish flakes would be good.
  • Question
    How many crayfish can you have in a 3.3 gallon tank?
    Community Answer
    None, because crayfish have to live in a water level of at least 5 gallons.
  • Question
    We have 6 baby crayfish in a 2-foot tank. When should I separate them as they get bigger? As babies they have been getting along very well and even hanging out under the same rock.
    Community Answer
    They will be fine as long as they are the same size. After 4-5 weeks a few will molt and become much larger, that's when they will eat the smaller ones. If you provide lots of hiding places and enough food it will help, but eventually they will get eaten. They like to eat meat and green veggies like zucchini. I have found that mine do okay with the sinking shrimp pellets from the store, but do like an occasional goldfish.
  • Question
    I have one crayfish in a tank with 2 tiger Oscars. Will the crayfish and fish get along?
    Dieyun Ding
    Top Answerer
    Typically, no. If the Oscars are fully grown, the crayfish will become food.
  • Question
    Why do crayfish like to hide?
    Community Answer
    They feel secure and safe in dark hiding places.
  • Question
    Can I use bottled drinking water for the tank?
    Community Answer
    You can, but be sure to take proper precautions to make sure that the water is conditioned so that they do not die.
  • Question
    How long can they go without eating?
    Community Answer
    Crayfish can go quite a long time without eating, at least one month if the weather is cool. If you are having trouble feeding them regularly, put half a small, clean carrot in the water and replace it every month.
  • Question
    Are species of crayfish determined by color alone?
    Community Answer
    They can be determined by color, but also by size, diet, aggressiveness and other factors.
  • Question
    Can crayfish eat cucumbers?
    Community Answer
    Yes, they can. They normally eat a lot of vegetables, and sometimes even plants.
  • Question
    My sister's school recommended cat food pellets for our crayfish. Is this a viable option?
    Community Answer
    It is, although your crayfish may not enjoy the pellets. If the crayfish won't eat the pellets, then you can try another kind of food.
  • Question
    Are blue and white crayfish considered the same species?
    Community Answer
    No, the blue crayfish are Electric Blue Crayfish, white crayfish are Vanilla Crayfish. They are different species.
  • Question
    If I have a filter, will I need air bubbles?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the filter. As long as the surface is agitated you should be okay. If you don't see the surface of the water moving then add an airstone.
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