AQUATICS BY GEORGE
ELECTRIC BLUE CRAYFISH
BLUE CRAYFISH
"ELECTRIC BLUE CRAYFISH"
(Procambarus alleni)
CARE:
The blue crayfish (also known as the "Electric Blue Lobster") is very popular with aquarium keepers due to the bright blue colouration, which was achieved through selective breeding. The wild type is reddish brown. Several other colour varieties exist including red, purple, orange and white.
I would recommend a minimum of an 18-24" long aquarium (standard 10-20 gallon), for a single adult, or at least 36" long for a pair, (standard 30-40 gallon), as well as at least one hiding spot per individual, to help prevent territorial disputes. Juveniles may fit into a smaller aquarium, but for more than one, I'd recommend at least 30-40 gallons, to avoid crowding.
Having extra hiding spots can help reduce the chances of cannibalism, which can be a significant threat after molting, before the new exoskeleton hardens.
*** See our hides for sale here:
http://aquaticsbygeorge.wixsite.com/creations/terracotta-hides ***
The aquarium should be equipped with a tightly-fitting lid, to prevent they crayfish from escaping, and should contain a filter to keep the water clean. Room temperature is fine for this species, and they do not require a heater, unless the temperature falls below about 68 F / 20 C. Maximum recommended temperature is 75 F / 23 C.
The standard maximum adult size for this species is about 5 to 6" (12-15 cm). Males have slightly larger claws, which are shaped a bit like scissors, whereas the females have claws that are slightly rounded. The males also have a pair of small appendages underneath the tail, which the females lack.
Procambarus crayfish species breed easily, and lack a larval stage, meaning that the female carries the eggs under her tail while they develop into perfect miniatures of their parents, which takes about six weeks. After being released, the offspring should reach maturity in about three months. '
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FEEDING
A diet high in calcium (calcium fortified pellets intended for shrimp, crabs, crayfish etc.) can help the crayfish molt successfully, and a medium to high mineral content, (GH and KH), in the water is also very beneficial.
Crayfish are not fussy eaters and enjoy snacking on aquatic plants, blanched veggies, cooked organic shrimp, fish pellets, worms, snails and they will also eat any live fish they can catch, so I wouldn't recommend fish as tankmates, if you don't want them to be eaten.
Large fish will eat crayfish, and crayfish may cannibalize smaller crays, so choose a pair that are about the same size. Foods given to crayfish should be low in fat. The crayfish will also eat their molts, which helps them regain calcium.
One kind of food which is greatly appreciated by Procambarus crays is "Critter Crumbs" Seafood and Sweet Potato with added calcium.
*** SEE CRITTER CRUMBS HERE:
http://aquaticsbygeorge.wixsite.com/creations/critter-crumbs
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SOURCES:
http://aquariumlore.blogspot.ca/2008/10/blue-lobster-blue-crayfish.html
https://www.theaquariumwiki.com/Procambarus_alleni
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WHERE TO GET PET CRAYFISH
Blue Crayfish are periodically available for adoption from Aquatics By George. Delivery is available all over Canada.
Guaranteed to arrive alive and healthy.
***GET A FREE SAMPLE OF CRITTER CRUMBS, AND A DISCOUNT ON ALL PREPARED FOODS IN THE FUTURE WHEN YOU ADOPT A CRAYFISH FROM AQUATICS BY GEORGE***
COMING SOON: MARBLED CRAYFISH AKA MARMOKREBS
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Also available:
-Aquariums, filters, pumps, digital thermometers, check valves, stainless gang valves, terracotta hides etc.
-Small animal hides for hamsters, guinea pigs, bearded dragons, leopard geckos etc, (hand crafted from aspen).. Starting from $10.
Ancistrus catfish (Calico, L144/lemon/leucistic, silvertip)
-Keyhole cichlids (Peaceful South American cichlids, great for the community tank).
-Beginner-friendly aquatic plants
-Captive bred live foods (white worms, European nightcrawlers, microworms, red cherry shrimp etc.)
and more...
Have you seen one of our products available for a lower price, from another local seller? Let me know, and I might be able to match it for you.
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To learn more about my business and the services I offer, you can
email: aquaticsbygeorge@gmail.com