European Crayfish care guide
European Crayfish (Astacus astacus) — minimum tank 200 L, temperature 8-22 °C, pH 7-8.5.
Overview
European Crayfish (Astacus astacus) is a European freshwater crayfish of the family Astacidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an advanced-level species. Native European crayfish, requires cold, well-oxygenated water. Threatened in the wild due to crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci) carried by invasive Procambarus.
Taxonomy
- Family: Astacidae
- Genus: Astacus
- Scientific name: Astacus astacus
- Common synonyms: Noble Crayfish, Broad-fingered Crayfish
Habitat
Astacus astacus, the noble crayfish, is a European freshwater crayfish (Astacidae) of clean, cool, well-oxygenated streams and lakes from western Europe to western Russia. It has declined sharply in the wild owing to crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci) carried by invasive North-American species. The Aquairi knowledge base records this entry from: Europe.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L (52.8 US gal)
- Adult size: 12-18 cm
- Temperature: 8-22 °C (46-72 °F)
- pH: 7-8.5
- GH: 10-25 °dGH
- KH: 6-16 °dKH
- Lifespan: 8-20 years
Diet
An omnivore. Diet includes plant matter, biofilm, algae, detritus and protein in the form of carrion, small invertebrates or fish remains. In the aquarium a daily portion of sinking pellet, regular blanched vegetables and occasional frozen bloodworm or shrimp meet nutritional needs and reduce intraspecific aggression.
Compatibility
Territorial and aggressive; large adults will harm tank mates and damage plants. A solo, species-only or split-by-divider setup is the only reliable arrangement. Suitable tank mates listed in the Aquairi knowledge base: Solo recommended. Should be kept away from: All fish, Shrimp, Plants, Other crayfish (plague risk).
Breeding
Reproduces in fresh water without a planktonic larval stage. After mating, the female carries the eggs glued to her pleopods for several weeks; hatched juveniles cling to the mother for additional moults before becoming independent. Stable water chemistry and abundant shelter for the brooding female are required.