Description
The brilliant coloring of the Scarlet Crayfish is sure to make it the centerpiece of your tank! This crayfish is a vividly colorful variant of same species as the Electric Blue Crayfish, though it is much less common. It is also commonly known as the Scarlet Lobster, though true lobsters do not exist in freshwater. This freshwater crayfish reaches maturity very quickly and breeds easily in the home aquarium. Though crayfish are often reclusive by nature, this particular species is very active by comparison and spends plenty of time climbing around the aquarium in search of food. It will eat most any meaty or plant-based foods, and it will eat live aquatic plants at a fast rate. However, they often leave giant Marimo Moss Balls alone. As it reaches adulthood, the Scarlet Crayfish will become relatively territorial, so it may behave aggressively towards other animals in the tank. It is important to provide ample hiding places, such as driftwood, PVC pipes, or decorations (e.g. a fake reef). This is even more crucial when housing multiple crayfish in the same tank. Large crayfish produce a lot of waste, so a high quality filter (e.g a diatomic filter) is essential to keep the water clean. A minimum 30 gal aquarium is necessary for one adult; a larger aquarium can house multiple adults of similar size. This is a very hardy animal, but regular water changes are vital to its health. Other bottom-dwelling animals should be avoided. Crayfish will typically eat whatever they can catch, but since they are slow moving, they are not often able to harm fast-swimming fish (such as small tetras, guppies, rasboras, danios, etc.). CARE GUIDELINES: - Temperature: 65°- 76° F (18° - 24° C) - pH: 6.5 - 7.5 - KH: 6 - 15 dKH - Minimum tank size: 30 gallons - Average adult size: 4 - 5 inches (10 - 12.7 cm) body length minus claws - Average purchase size: 2 - 3 inches (5 - 7.6 cm) or larger - WARNING: Copper is toxic to invertebrates. Avoid any aquarium products that contain copper in any form.
Features
- Scarlet Crayfish are hardy invertebrates and their care is easy. Basic aquarium supplies required, including a filter (canister filters are best) and submersible heater.
- Caution should be exercised when keeping large crayfish. The general rule with crayfish in aquariums with live fish and other tankmates is: if it can catch it, it WILL try to eat it!
- This crayfish ships as a 2 inch long young adult that will grow up to 5 to 6 in. long. They thrive best in tanks with decorations or accessories that provide shelter, such as a PVC tubes or pipes.
- May TEMPORARILY change color after molting, which may occur during shipping. If your crayfish is not red and you find a molt, this is normal and the bright color will return in 2 weeks or less.
- This listing is for 1 male young adult crayfish. All Aquatic Arts (formerly InvertObsession) brand plants and animals come with a 100% alive arrival guarantee, plus free email support!