Procambarus alleni

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Blue Crayfish
A small blue Crayfish
Species Procambarus alleni
Difficulty Moderate
Min. Tank Size 75.708 liters
75,708.236 mL

20 US Gallons (75.7L)

Size 17.78 cm

3-7 " (7.6-17.8cm)

pH 7 - 7.5
Temp. 291.483 K
18.333 °C
524.67 °R

297.039 K
23.889 °C
534.67 °R65 -75 °F (18.3-23.9°C)

Water Hardness

6-10

Stocking Ratio 1:1 M:F
Availability Uncommon
Diet

Omnivore
Other (See article)

Life Span

6-5 years

Contents

[edit] Alternative names

Everglade Crayfish, Florida Crayfish, Blue Crayfish
Sometimes called incorrectly 'Blue Lobsters'. Lobsters are the saltwater variety.

[edit] Sexing

Male has two extra short appendages at the rear of the back legs. Female has none.

[edit] Tank compatibility

Bottom feeder. Aggressive. Do not keep with fish or smaller invertebrates, species tank only.

[edit] Diet

They will eat almost anything they can get their pincers on. But not too much fat. They will eat vegetation, sunken fish food, shrimp pellets, small fish, slow shrimp, and worms. Also try small pieces of carrots and peas.
Feed food which is high in Iodine as this helps it moult. Kelp tablets are one source.

[edit] Feeding regime

Once a day.

[edit] Environment Specifics

It requires hard hard water to develop its shell correctly.
Crayfish are well known to climb out uncovered aquariums so make sure that your aquarium is escape proof. Crayfish like being hidden so give them a cave or some kind of shelter.

[edit] Behaviour

Crayfish will eat small fish and large fish like Oscar eat them.
Small fish can harm crayfish when they are molting due to their very soft skin. Other crayfish (and crabs of small size) can be put with crayfish if they both have more then one cave/shelter. But if you do put them with another crayfish (or crab) there is always chance one will be eaten during molting.

[edit] Identification

The blue form is the most commerically sold variety. In the wild they will be found also in a more natural dark red-brown.

[edit] Notes

This cray is unlikely to be found for sale outside of the USA due to strict exportation laws on crayfish, and is in fact illegal to keep in several places outside the USA including the UK.

[edit] Pictures

Blue Crayfish

Florida Crayfish

[edit] External links

Facts about Procambarus alleni
Availability Uncommon
Common name Blue Crayfish
Diet Omnivore  +
Difficulty Moderate
Foods Other Foods  +
Maximum Size 7 in (17.78 cm)  +
Maximum age 5  +
Maximum hardness 10  +
Maximum pH 7.5  +
Maximum temperature 297.039 K (23.889 °C, 75 °F, 534.67 °R)  +
Minimum Tank Size 20 US Gallon (75.708 liters, 75,708.236 mL)  +
Minimum hardness 6  +
Minimum pH 7  +
Minimum temperature 291.483 K (18.333 °C, 65 °F, 524.67 °R)  +
Scientific name Procambarus alleni
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