North America's freshwater crayfish (Procambarus spp.) are also known as crawfish, crawdads, mudbugs and freshwater lobsters. In general, crayfish are omnivores. Your crayfish will eat your aquarium plants and a variety of other foods, including romaine lettuce, fish flakes, shrimp or algae pellets, clam, krill, squid and tubifex worms. Feed your crayfish the equivalent of one 3/4 inch pellet every day.
The Colorful Crayfish
Crayfish are territorial and may eat smaller crayfish and fish in your aquarium. In addition, larger fish may eat your crayfish. It's best to keep only one crayfish in an aquarium. When purchasing a cold water crayfish, a variety of colors are available, from red to brown to blue, but most are simply color variations of the most commonly sold North American species, the Florida crayfish (Procambarus alleni) and red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). If you prefer warm water aquariums, tropical varieties of crayfish (Cherax spp.) from Australia, known as yabbies, are available as pets.
References
Writer Bio
With degrees in fine and commercial art and Spanish, Ruth de Jauregui is an old-school graphic artist, book designer and published author. De Jauregui authored 50 Fabulous Tomatoes for Your Garden, available as an ebook. She enthusiastically pursues creative and community interests, including gardening, home improvement and social issues.
