European Crayfish care guide
European Crayfish (Astacus astacus) — minimum tank 200 L, temperature 8-22 °C, pH 7-8.5.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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.
Breeding the European Noble Crayfish (Astacus astacus)
Overview
Astacus astacus, the European or noble crayfish (family Astacidae), is a temperate freshwater species that requires cold, well-oxygenated water and is sensitive to drops in oxygen. Males reach up to 16 cm and females up to 12 cm. The IUCN lists it as Vulnerable; populations have fallen to about 5% of former levels since the spread of crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci), carried by introduced North American crayfish such as the signal crayfish. It breeds as a berried female that carries eggs through winter.
Sexing
As an astacid crayfish, the sexes are separated by the underside genital openings and by the larger size and heavier claws of males, while females reach a smaller maximum length. Only a mature female carries eggs, so a berried animal is unambiguously female.
Conditioning
Animals become sexually mature after three to four years and a series of moults. Cold, clean, oxygen-rich water and an omnivorous diet are prerequisites; a seasonal cooling cycle aligns the animals with the autumn breeding window described for the species.
Breeding Setup
A large, cool tank with strong oxygenation, soft sandy substrate and burrows or shelters reflects the unpolluted streams and lakes the species inhabits. Mating occurs in October and November, after which the female attaches the fertilised eggs to her pleopods.
Berried Female & Young
The female carries the eggs attached to her pleopods through the winter until the following May, when they hatch and the young disperse. The long brooding period means stable cool water must be maintained for months while the female is berried.
Common Challenges
Crayfish plague is the defining threat: this species must never share water or equipment with North American crayfish, which can carry the pathogen. Sensitivity to low oxygen and the need for cold water make it demanding, and adults are unsafe with fish, shrimp, plants and other crayfish.