I am considering getting a couple crayfish for my 55g when I get it. Has anyone ever raised them in their tanks? Were they a good addition to your tank? Do they eat the fish in there?
I'd really like to keep a couple of them. What do you they eat? I would love for everyone to share their experiences with them. Thanks!
Crayfish (Crawdads)...
Started by
Guest_ShinersRock_*
, Dec 11 2006 03:45 AM
24 replies to this topic
#2
Guest_nativecajun_*
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Posted 11 December 2006 - 09:52 AM
Well I do not know about the lord of the rings but I can share an experience of a Crawfish I had once. I had this ten gallon tank and decided I no longer needed to use it for a while. So I emptied the water, I guess the gravel retained moisture, because it was months later I wanted to start up that tank again. I filled it with water and treated it with what ever that stuff is called that I was using to neutralize the chlorine and then I let is set. My wife arrived home from work and asked me if I had decided to start up the tank again just for that crawfish. I said what crawfish? She said the one in the tank. I said there is nothing in there yet I am just getting it ready. Then she said maybe I am seeing things but I could swear I saw a crawfish in there. I checked and low and behold there the crawfish was. Sat in my garage for months. Somehow it must have retained moisture, because that guy survived. So to answer you question just throw a couple of crawfish in a tank and let them be. As long as you are feeding fish in that tank the crawfish will survive anything. I have found though if the fish are too small and move too slowly the crawfish will catch them by the tail. I believe it was a Betta I had that I saw the fins all ripped appart one day then on another day I saw why. The crawfish had a hold on him and would not let go. So enjoy you crawfish. About the breeding part I know nothing.
#3
Guest_dsmith73_*
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Posted 11 December 2006 - 10:00 AM
I have kept crayfish peripherally in the past. I once had a group of unknown species in a tank with a large green sunfish. These were originally put in as small guys as food for the green. SOme of them made it since there was a fair amount of cover on the bottom and actually spawned. When I pulled them out, I have male and female with a dozen or so small guys under her tail.
I have also kept and bred the dwarf crayfish Cambarus schufeldti. These are a very entertaining species and are very easy to breed as well. I hope to try my hat at these again shortly. Their only downside is that they only get about an inch long and are possible food items for any of the larger predators, and their offspring are small enough that even some of the smaller fish can pick them off.
I have also kept and bred the dwarf crayfish Cambarus schufeldti. These are a very entertaining species and are very easy to breed as well. I hope to try my hat at these again shortly. Their only downside is that they only get about an inch long and are possible food items for any of the larger predators, and their offspring are small enough that even some of the smaller fish can pick them off.
#4
Guest_edbihary_*
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Posted 11 December 2006 - 12:50 PM
I had two small tadpole madtoms hiding in the rocks in my tank. I put a few small crayfish in there, thinking they would become snacks for the larger sunfish and yellow perch. Instead, the crayfish moved into the madtoms' hiding places, flushed them out, and the madtoms disappeared, presumably becoming the snack the crayfish were supposed to be. Needless to say, I fished those crayfish out of there as soon as I realized this, and bought them a one way ticket to my local wastewater treatment plant. Now I HATE CRAYFISH! Not only will they flush vulnerable fish out of their cover, they build barricades out of your gravel. You think you've gotten them all, but then you move the gravel around... They will eat small fish. Maybe it was the crayfish that ate my madtoms.
#5
Guest_AndrewAcropora_*
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Posted 11 December 2006 - 01:43 PM
I've kept a few crayfish in the past with a large degree of success--Housing them for over two years and a few dozen molts each. The crayfish I collected ate pretty much anything that was offered--Aponogeton bulbs, tadpoles, goldfish, sinking pellets, reeds, and pond snails. Just be prepared for them to grow larger than what you were expecting if given the time--they also make quite a large mess of their tanks too.
Fantastically interesting creatures, well worth a species tank of their own.
Fantastically interesting creatures, well worth a species tank of their own.
#6
Guest_ShinersRock_*
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Posted 11 December 2006 - 05:27 PM
Thanks everyone! When I get my tank set up, I'll throw a couple of those suckers in there. I am excited to watch them, and see how they function. Oh, and Cajun, Lord of the Rings IS the greatest epic of all time! 
#7
Guest_nativeplanter_*
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Posted 11 December 2006 - 07:26 PM
I would beware the crawdad if you are looking to make it a planted tank.
You ARE making it a planted tank, aren't you...
You ARE making it a planted tank, aren't you...
#8
Guest_itsme_*
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Posted 12 December 2006 - 02:05 AM
Yes, nativeplanter has a good point. Most of the larger crawfish will chew plants down to nubs. This is also true of some of the larger shrimps (Macrobranchium). It's really something they need in their diet that is often neglected by aquarists who keep them. I suppose this owes to that fact that they will eat just about anything. Sometimes they will change color or kind of get pale. I think this is related to a lack of certain pigments or nutrients derived from plant material they would normally feed on. Crayfish are known to graze on land plants, crawling out of the water at night to get them. It's tricky to recreate this in an aquarium. Maybe one of those veggie clips used for plant-eating fishes? I'm about to add some of those dwarf crayfish, Cambarellus shufeldtii, to a planted tank. I'm wondering if they are as hard on plants as their larger relatives. I'm thinking not. I'll let you know 
Actually, I'm hoping they will eat the hair/string algae in the tank.
As was mentioned, it's also tricky to get the right combo of fish and crawdads, if that's what you're after. The dwarves are great, really harmless to fishes - tiny claws. But larger fishes relish them. Small minnows, killies, Ellasoma, livebearers, small darters, are fine with the dwarves. Larger craws can be good scavengers in tanks with larger fish like sunfishes. Usually, a good sized sunfish is invulnerable to a crayfish. Crayfish too large to be eaten will be OK with most fish. Well, until they molt. At that point, they are soft and tasty. They may get their legs ripped off by the fish or other crayfish if they aren't hidden away or if they are crowded. They may be killed too, and eaten bit by bit.
There are all kinds of native and exotic crayfish. Some are really beautifully colored. AK, MO and LA have some very cool ones.
Actually, I'm hoping they will eat the hair/string algae in the tank.As was mentioned, it's also tricky to get the right combo of fish and crawdads, if that's what you're after. The dwarves are great, really harmless to fishes - tiny claws. But larger fishes relish them. Small minnows, killies, Ellasoma, livebearers, small darters, are fine with the dwarves. Larger craws can be good scavengers in tanks with larger fish like sunfishes. Usually, a good sized sunfish is invulnerable to a crayfish. Crayfish too large to be eaten will be OK with most fish. Well, until they molt. At that point, they are soft and tasty. They may get their legs ripped off by the fish or other crayfish if they aren't hidden away or if they are crowded. They may be killed too, and eaten bit by bit.
There are all kinds of native and exotic crayfish. Some are really beautifully colored. AK, MO and LA have some very cool ones.
#9
Guest_ShinersRock_*
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Posted 12 December 2006 - 02:19 AM
Yea, planter, It'll have plants in it. I hope to make it look beautiful and have it be the eye candy of my apartment. Which is why I want crayfish in my tank, to give it a natural look. Oh well, if they eat my plants I'll just get more. Maybe I'll tie some weights to some duckweed and let them feed on that. 
#10
Guest_nativecajun_*
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Posted 12 December 2006 - 06:48 AM
Thanks everyone! When I get my tank set up, I'll throw a couple of those suckers in there. I am excited to watch them, and see how they function. Oh, and Cajun, Lord of the Rings IS the greatest epic of all time!
We have the series movie set of lord of the rings. If my wife has it on I will watch with her. But for me to plug it in myself. WILL NEVER HAPPEN But I am glad you like it. I kind of like to watch it with her but as far as it being my style of movie NAAAA. I thought this was a fish forum LOL >-<
#11
Guest_eLeMeNt_*
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Posted 12 December 2006 - 04:45 PM
The nature of crayfish often varies greatly between different species. Some are very shy, while others will try to eat whatever gets in their way. In Maryland, some non-native crayfish have completely out competed natives in certain areas.
I took home a procambarus clarkii (non-native) from one of our sampling sites and placed him in my tank. He tore apart one of my small bluegills and ate it right in front of me. It was crazy. I felt horrible for the little bluegill.
Then again, I've had native species in my tank that will even shy away from small fish.
So just make sure you're getting a peaceful species and you will have no problem.
I would also recommend making sure the tank is covered so that there is no way the crayfish can climb up a plant or another object to get out. If the crayfish finds a way, they will get out of the tank. I came home one day and one of my crayfish had crawled up the filter and out the back and was sitting under my dresser. He must've been there for hours. They are tough little animals.
I took home a procambarus clarkii (non-native) from one of our sampling sites and placed him in my tank. He tore apart one of my small bluegills and ate it right in front of me. It was crazy. I felt horrible for the little bluegill.
Then again, I've had native species in my tank that will even shy away from small fish.
So just make sure you're getting a peaceful species and you will have no problem.
I would also recommend making sure the tank is covered so that there is no way the crayfish can climb up a plant or another object to get out. If the crayfish finds a way, they will get out of the tank. I came home one day and one of my crayfish had crawled up the filter and out the back and was sitting under my dresser. He must've been there for hours. They are tough little animals.
#12
Guest_killier_*
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Posted 12 December 2006 - 08:36 PM
in my house in WNC we have a native blue crayfish called a chinnemy crayfish that are good with larger minnows
#13
Guest_NateTessler13_*
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Posted 12 December 2006 - 08:49 PM
Breeding crayfish was really easy for me. I had a bunch of Rusty Crayfish in a 20 gallon long with a bare bottom for the bottom. The water was about 54*F and the male crayfish was constantly grabbing females and positioning them for mating. They would not be bother by being disturbed either. I didn't want them to breed so I was smacking them with the net and they wouldn't stop. I think you just need a male and a female (large mature ones) and they'll breed. I enjoyed it when the crayfish would eat algae off driftwood, but otherwise they steal food fit for darters. 
There are other varieties of crayfish around here. I have seen some Softshell (I believe that's their name) Crayfish, and then another variety that I just caught over the weekend. They have smaller claws so I believe they'll do less damage to my fish too. We'll see.
There are other varieties of crayfish around here. I have seen some Softshell (I believe that's their name) Crayfish, and then another variety that I just caught over the weekend. They have smaller claws so I believe they'll do less damage to my fish too. We'll see.
#14
Guest_eLeMeNt_*
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Posted 12 December 2006 - 09:05 PM
Rusty crayfish can get pretty big and are one of the most aggressive crayfish species out there.
I'd advise getting a smaller, more docile species if you want fish in the tank with it.
I'd advise getting a smaller, more docile species if you want fish in the tank with it.
#15
Guest_edbihary_*
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Posted 13 December 2006 - 12:44 AM
Check your state regs. Rusty crayfish are illegal to possess in Pennsylvania, they are considered to be a severe nuisance invasive species. I don't know about where you're from, but check it out before you get any.Rusty crayfish can get pretty big and are one of the most aggressive crayfish species out there.
I'd advise getting a smaller, more docile species if you want fish in the tank with it.
#16
Guest_eLeMeNt_*
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Posted 13 December 2006 - 03:09 PM
Check your state regs. Rusty crayfish are illegal to possess in Pennsylvania, they are considered to be a severe nuisance invasive species. I don't know about where you're from, but check it out before you get any.
I know they are a problem in Virginia. They havn't made it into Maryland yet, but I think its only a matter of time before some fishermen brings some over in a bait bucket.
I went to a crayfish workshop for work. They had a huge rusty. I didn't know they could get that big.
#17
Guest_BassNut144_*
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Posted 09 February 2007 - 10:59 AM
I had 2 crayfish in a 15 gallon tank with 2 Rainbow Darters and two longnosed minnows and they got along pretty well with each other. However, if one of your crayfish dies, I dont recommend replacing it with a smaller one , as the larger one will pick on him and possibly kill him...and will eat small redworms, Freeze Dried Brine Shrimp, and regualr flake food, be sure to put a couple of rock structures in the tank also so they can hide and what not. Just be sure that you try to find 2 that are nearly the same size, and good luck.
I am considering getting a couple crayfish for my 55g when I get it. Has anyone ever raised them in their tanks? Were they a good addition to your tank? Do they eat the fish in there?
I'd really like to keep a couple of them. What do you they eat? I would love for everyone to share their experiences with them. Thanks!
#18
Guest_Gambusia_*
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Posted 16 February 2007 - 02:04 PM
I've kept crayfish both ones purchased from the pet store and ones collected legally from the wild.
Currently I have one crayfish that has survived being eaten in my 75 gallon which has a rock bass and a warmouth sunfish among other inhabitants.
Currently I have one crayfish that has survived being eaten in my 75 gallon which has a rock bass and a warmouth sunfish among other inhabitants.
#19
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Posted 16 March 2007 - 09:35 AM
After reading peoples unsuccessful attempts at providing crayfish as food for fish, I feel compelled to share this story. Although most of the pictures are of native fish, there is 1 good crayfish photo. I originally caught this fish with a dip net in a private pond.
I had a couple of them to start with but they soon thinned each other out.
So I was left with 1 largemouth who continued to grow and eat every other fish in the tank. Even fish that were close to his own size. Creek Chub-
Even tho I tried to keep him well fed..... (all these were gone in 2 days)
...he eventually got every creature in the tank.
I finally decided it was time for him to return to the pond, but trying to net him out just ended up making a mess all over the floor and myself, so I had to resort to other means....
I know this doesnt seem very sporting, but it IS artificial bait.(Berkley Gulp worms)
Success!!!
I had a couple of them to start with but they soon thinned each other out.
So I was left with 1 largemouth who continued to grow and eat every other fish in the tank. Even fish that were close to his own size. Creek Chub-
Even tho I tried to keep him well fed..... (all these were gone in 2 days)
...he eventually got every creature in the tank.
I finally decided it was time for him to return to the pond, but trying to net him out just ended up making a mess all over the floor and myself, so I had to resort to other means....
I know this doesnt seem very sporting, but it IS artificial bait.(Berkley Gulp worms)
Success!!!
#20
Guest_joia2181_*
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Posted 16 March 2007 - 10:44 AM
Sweet largie!!! Same thing happend to me. THe bass started out the smallest then ate everything he possibly could. Then he'd just beat the hell out of a yellow bullhead that was bigger than him. I finally had to put him in my bait holding tank that I use for golden native shiners that I catch.
p.s. By the way, folks on here will tell you its a no no to return captured fish to the wild.
p.s. By the way, folks on here will tell you its a no no to return captured fish to the wild.
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