Electric Blue Crayfish care guide
Electric Blue Crayfish (Procambarus alleni) — minimum tank 80 L, temperature 20-26 °C, pH 7-8.5.
Overview
Electric Blue Crayfish (Procambarus alleni) is a North-American freshwater crayfish of the family Cambaridae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. Stunning electric-blue crayfish, one of the most popular freshwater inverts. Females hold eggs and tiny crayfish under their tail. Predatory; needs solo tank or tankmates too fast/big to catch.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cambaridae
- Genus: Procambarus
- Scientific name: Procambarus alleni
- Common synonyms: Florida Blue Crayfish, Blue Crayfish
Habitat
Procambarus is a North-American crayfish genus (Cambaridae) with hundreds of described species from the south-eastern United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. Many species occupy shallow ponds, ditches and slow streams; several have been introduced to Europe and Asia and are now widespread invasive species. The Aquairi knowledge base records this entry from: Florida (USA).
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (21.1 US gal)
- Adult size: 10-12 cm
- Temperature: 20-26 °C (68-79 °F)
- pH: 7-8.5
- GH: 8-20 °dGH
- KH: 4-12 °dKH
- Lifespan: 5-6 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
Aggressive predator. Adults are large enough to catch slow bottom-dwelling fish, prey on dwarf shrimp and clip soft plants; a species-only or fast top-dwelling community is preferred. Suitable tank mates listed in the Aquairi knowledge base: Solo recommended, Fast top-dwelling fish. Should be kept away from: Bottom-dwelling fish, Shrimp, Snails, Plants.
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.