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what to feed electric blue lobster

by Dr. Jerrold DuBuque III Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The most common type that is kept is the electric blue lobster. You will need a lot of room in the tank because of their territorial nature. You can get algae pellets, dried nori, and even mussels to feed the lobster.

Feeding. Crayfish will typically eat whatever they can catch, but since they are slow-moving, they are rarely able to harm most types of fish or shrimp. They prefer foods like invertebrate pellets or blanched vegetables (such as zucchini, carrots, and spinach), but will also eat fish food and algae wafers.

Full Answer

What can I Feed my Blue Lobster?

But, there are also other things that your crayfish can eat. So what can I feed my blue lobster? In their natural habitat, blue lobsters, aka blue crayfish, eat plenty of aquatic plants, algae, dead foliage, snails, smaller fish, and they have also been known to consume the decaying flesh of animals that die in or close to the water.

What kind of fish is a blue lobster?

The Blue Lobster, also known scientifically as procambarus alleni, and in layman’s terms, as blue crayfish, blue Florida crayfish, electric blue crayfish, and Everglades crayfish, are not really fussy eaters. While their origin is Florida, these scavengers are increasingly popular aquarium pets.

How to choose the best electric blue lobster for your aquarium?

If you choose the electric blue lobster, the aquarium will need to be fresh water. Most other lobsters are saltwater animals, so be careful not to get mixed up. Create a lot of room in the tank since these little creatures are very territorial. They can easily turn cannibalistic if congested in the tank.

What do electric blue crayfish need to survive?

Electric blue crayfish need adequate oxygen content in their tank. Otherwise, they’ll drown. If you don’t want to add an air pump, provide a rock so they can climb out of the water. Florida waters range from tropical to sub-tropical, depending on the season.

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What Should I Feed My Blue Lobster?

Feeding Hammers Cobalt Blue Lobster They are great scavengers and eat almost everything on the bottom of a tank. Their diet includes uneaten food, debris, detritus, live plants, dead plants, fish flakes, pellets, tablets, algae wafers, live tank mates and even dead tank mates.

How often do you feed a blue lobster?

Electric Blue crayfish should be fed every day so that they don't predate on their tankmates. However, it's important that you don't overfeed your pets, and always remove any uneaten food from the tank after 24 hours.

What can I feed my pet lobster?

Lobsters, crabs and shrimp must be fed pellet food that sinks to the bottom of the tank. Feed them as much as they can eat in three minutes, twice a day. These invertebrates also like freeze-dried brine shrimp, bloodworms and tubifex worms. One tip: Make sure your fish aren't gluttons!

What can you put in a tank with a blue lobster?

Tank MatesDanios (zebra, celestial pearl)Hatchetfish.Rainbow darters.African butterflyfish.Rasboras.Rainbow sharks.Tiger barbs.Rosy red minnows.More items...•

Can you keep two electric blue crayfish together?

Author Note: You can also keep multiple crayfish in one tank but it needs to be large enough to give each specimen its space. Keeping the crayfish well-fed is also important or else you'll run the risk of fighting and aggression.

Why is my blue lobster turning red?

A relatively simple explanation for the color change emerged in a study published in 2002: Heat changes the shape of a protein called beta-crustacyanin in the shell, relaxing its bonds with the pigment astaxanthin. The freed pigment reflects wavelengths of light in the red spectrum.

Can lobsters eat fish flakes?

The bottom line is that lobsters will eat other lobster species and even their own young if alternative foods are not accessible to them or if the other lobster is tiny enough to catch and devour. Your lobsters will also eat any other animal in the aquarium, including fish and shellfish.

What is lobsters favorite food?

People used to think that lobsters were scavengers and ate primarily dead things. However, researchers have discovered that lobsters catch mainly fresh food (except for bait) which includes fish, crabs, clams, mussels, sea urchins, and sometimes even other lobsters!

How do you keep a pet lobster alive?

Do not feed the lobsters. In cold water, lobsters can live for months without food. Feeding them pollutes the tank, which could kill them. If you intend to keep your lobsters for longer than a few months, you may use commercial feed sparingly to avoid contaminating the tank.

Can blue lobsters live with shrimp?

Most shrimp are fine to keep with these guys because they are fast and stay out of the way of the Electric Blue Crayfish. They also enjoy logs to hide under, driftwood and rock shelters. Crayfish are very good at escaping so make sure to have a tight fitting lid on your tank.

How much is a blue crayfish worth?

Electric Blue Crayfish - Aquatic Arts on sale today for $ 14.99.

Do crayfish get lonely?

I really doubt that crayfish are capable of feeling lonely. I think your best bet is to provide a variety of plant matter, algae, and detritus to keep it occupied with foraging. I don't think adding additional fish or crayfish will improve it's quality of life.

What do you feed blue crayfish?

Feeding. Crayfish will typically eat whatever they can catch, but since they are slow-moving, they are rarely able to harm most types of fish or shrimp. They prefer foods like invertebrate pellets or blanched vegetables (such as zucchini, carrots, and spinach), but will also eat fish food and algae wafers.

How much is a blue crayfish worth?

Electric Blue Crayfish - Aquatic Arts on sale today for $ 14.99.

How do you take care of a blue crayfish?

How to Care for Pet CrayfishSet up the tank properly. Crayfish need a tank with fresh water that's kept clean and free of pollution. ... Add some hiding space for your crayfish. ... Get shrimp pellets for easy feeding and complete nutrition. ... Get a second tank setup for crayfish that are molting.

How can you tell if a blue lobster is male or female?

The top set of swimmerets (or feelers) on a female's tail are soft, translucent, and crossed at the tips. A male's swimmerets are bony, opaque, and point up toward his body. A female lobster has a broader tail to accommodate the roe.

How to tell if a blue crayfish is male or female?

If you flip your electric blue crayfish over, you’ll notice claspers behind the legs on the male and sperm receptacles behind the legs on the female. However, most aquarists don’t make a habit of turning their crays over. Luckily, you can tell the two apart from the top. Males have MUCH larger claws than females.

What kind of crayfish do aquarists use?

Most aquarists make do with a single electric blue crayfish in their tank.

What happens when you expose a blue crayfish to ammonia?

When exposed to ammonia or nitrates, electric blue crayfish become stressed.

What is the only crayfish in Florida?

Electric blue crayfish have earned the distinction as Florida’s only native crayfish species.

How to get blue crayfish to molt?

Choose driftwood, artificial caves, PVC tubes, or overturned pots to give your blue crayfish somewhere to molt in peace. Feeling safe. Ensure the cave’s large enough for them to fit inside comfortably, without getting disturbed by tank mates. You also want to mimic their native habitat by providing live plants.

How much does an electric blue crayfish cost?

In general, electric blue crayfish run around $40. You may see the price fluctuate based on the season, especially if you’re purchasing a wild-caught cray. They’re not the most expensive invertebrate to add to your aquarium, but they aren’t the cheapest, either.

How long do blue crayfish live?

Electric blue crayfish live an average of 5-6 years. Unfortunately, this requires you to stay on top of pristine water quality.

How do crayfish molt?

As for molting, good sir, it is the natural process by which crayfish (as well as other crustaceans) shed their hard exoskeleton in order to grow. The process is preceded by strange eating behaviors and activity patterns. The shell will split at the carapace and the cray usually escapes through the top of the tail. During this stage the lobster is vulnerable and will hide for a few days, and is why it is important that there is plenty of space and hiding places in the tank: predacious fish species as well as other crays will consider the molted lobster as prey! After hardening the new, larger exo-skeleton, the crayfish should begin eating normally. You may also notice that any missing or injured limbs have reappeared in some manner after the molt.

How big is an electric blue lobster?

Electric Blue LobsterScientific Name: Procambarus paeninsulanisRecommended Aquarium: 20+ GallonsApprox. Adult Size: 8 inchesTemperament: Semi AggressiveEase of Care: EasyDiet: OmnivoreNative Waters: FloridaThe Electric Blue Lobster is, in fact, a crayfish; much like the Bala Shark is actually a minnow. The recommended PH is neutral or slightly acidic to bring out the blue coloration. It is an omnivore which means it will eat both plant material and meat. It's recomended to vary the diet feeding it live or frozen food, flakes, and/or sinking pellets. Temperature-wise, I would keep it at 76 F for all of your fish to feel at ease unless you are attempting breeding.

How to feed blue lobsters?

Blue lobsters need warm 72-76 consistant temps, feed him dried shrimp and pellets , make sure he has "his own special" home (hiding area) especially when he molts amd important, make sure there is no place in your aquarioun where he can get stuck as they do need to go up to the surface and get oxygen or will drown! We had one for 9 years until i foolishly rearranged the tank and he got caught between some stone structures one evening and died. When molting, add a few crushed egg shells to the tank as they need the calcium for their new shell. Some say they will eat their old shell....ours never did. I would also add a few gruppies, male and female to the tank as they will breed easily and provide some live food for your lobster. He should not be laying on his back so possibly the oscars are attacking him at night. I would never put the lobster in a tank with oscars as both are aggressive and the Oscars may be winning the attacks on your lobster. Good Luck!

How long does it take for a snail to molt?

Get the snails OUT of the tank...if he has molted, he is very vulnerable to damage by anything crawling or biting at him until his new shell is established, which could take 24-48 hours after the molting.

Is the guy that said he was thirteen and the crayfish are lobsters completely wrong?

The guy that said he was thirteen and the crayfish are lobsters is completely wrong. Don't believe him! they ARE crayfish! Please post this so that I can prove him wrong!

Is a blue lobster a crayfish?

Though comenly refered to as a lobster the electric blue lobster is freshwater and thare for classified as a crayfish... lobster is the crayfish's close saltwater cousin.

Is it illegal to sell crayfish in Indiana?

Here in Indiana, is Illegal to sell Cray Fish so they call it a Lobster. Its still a Crayfish though.

Is Procambarus Alleni Plant Safe?

No, Blue crayfish are not plant safe. It is absolutely not possible to keep this species in a planted tank. For example, Anacharis, Hornwort, and Java Fern (read the guide) are favored by a large number of crayfish species. The only plants that crayfish tend to leave alone are floaters ( read my article about Top 7 floating plants for beginners ).

How long does it take for a crayfish to molt?

Juveniles blue crayfish molt in a range of between 1 – 3 weeks. Adult crayfish molt in a range of between 4 – 8 weeks. When Blue Crayfish molt they will consume their entire exoskeleton so as not to lose the nutrition it carried. So, do not feed it for a few days after the molt.

What is the difference between Procambarus clarkii and Procambarus Alleni?

Basically, these two species are identical in everything but areola on the back. Areola is a small space between two parts of the carapace. Blue crayfish have the two shell plates almost touching at the top of the back. Procambarus clarkii crayfish almost do not have this area.

What is a Procambarus alleni?

Procambarus alleni is a freshwater crayfish that has acquired immense popularity in the aquarium trade and hobby.

How big do blue crayfish get?

Blue Crayfish are average size for crayfish species, growing from 4 – 5 inches (10 – 12 centimeters) in length. However, there are reports that in the wild some individuals can measure up to 18 cm (7 inches). The general life span for the Procambarus Alleni Blue crayfish is up to 5 years with proper care.

What is the color of a blue crayfish?

Blue Crayfish – Detailed Guide: Care, Diet, and Breeding. Procambarus alleni are more commonly known as Blue lobsters, Florida crayfish, Electric blue crayfish, Everglades crayfish, Sapphire crayfish, and Blue Crayfish. The variety kept and sold in aquariums is primarily a brilliant blue color, but they can also be white, red and brown, ...

How many gallons of water should a crayfish tank hold?

Once the female crayfish has berried – the term for when she is carrying her eggs under her tail – she should be removed to a separate tank of at least 10 gallons. Reproductive output in this species increased linearly with female size (from 50 to several hundred eggs), and fecundity scaled linearly with habitat conditions.

What is the hardiest freshwater fish?

Crayfish are the hardiest freshwater specimens we have to offer, and thus tend to handle shipping and the acclimation process quite well.

What is the only crayfish in Florida?

In fact, they are the only crayfish species native to the state of Florida. Alternative names for this crayfish include the Blue Crayfish, Everglade Crayfish, and Florida Crayfish. Interestingly, it is the lack of a particular gene that causes the brilliant blue coloration of these crayfish.

How long do crayfish live in an aquarium?

They are well known for keeping tanks clean and free of waste, and are especially useful in large aquariums of 30 gallons or more. Due to their maximum potential size, they should not be kept in aquariums any smaller than 20 gallons. These crayfish can live up to 5 or 6 years old with the proper care.

What do crayfish eat?

They prefer foods like invertebrate pellets or blanched vegetables (such as zucchini, carrots, and spinach), but will also eat fish food and algae wafers.

How do we ship crayfish?

We ship the crayfish in plastic cups bagged in water to help ensure they do not escape. These cups are injected with medical grade oxygen before they are placed in a box and shipped out. This method of packaging the crayfish has proven to be MUCH more successful than our previous method (shipping them in a container with paper towel soaked in water).

Do crayfish eat their exoskeleton?

Also, it is normal for a crayfish to eat his/her exoskeleton after molting.

Can a blue crayfish live in a freshwater aquarium?

Not only is the Electric Blue Crayfish simply gorgeous, it is also very active and fascinating to watch! Their coloration is so tremendously bright, it seems like it can't possibly be natural - but it is! This is one of the most colorful creatures you will ever find that can live in a freshwater aquarium.

How to protect a sapphire crayfish tank?

To provide even more protection, you can utilize live plants, driftwood, and other large decorations that will hide their location. Exercise caution with live plants, though. Sapphire Crayfish are notorious for eating, uprooting, and destroying delicate plants. You can fill the bottom of the tank with gravel or sand.

What is the name of the blue crayfish?

Thanks to their eye-catching color, Electric Blue Crayfish ( Procambarus alleni) are one of the most popular invertebrates in the freshwater aquarium market! Also known as the Blue Crayfish, Sapphire Crayfish or Florida Crayfish, these creatures are a unique addition to any tank. These crayfish are endemic to Florida.

How many eggs can a blue crayfish lay?

Electric Blue Crayfish are bred pretty extensively in captivity. They can lay hundreds of eggs at once, filling your tank with lots of color.

What is the color of a crayfish's tail?

As you might have guessed, swimmerets help crayfish swim. Of course, the most identifying feature of the Electric Blue Crayfish is its color.

How big of a tank do you need for a crayfish?

Juveniles can be raised in something smaller, such as a 20-gallon tank. But adults need plenty of space to explore. Sticking to a larger tank allows you to keep multiple crayfish together while reducing the chance of aggressive behavior.

What part of the body does an electric blue crayfish have?

They shed this protective shell multiple times throughout their life as they get bigger. The main part of their body, the thorax, is where the head is located. If you look closely, you’ll spot a pair of dark black eyes.

How long do blue crayfish live?

Like most crayfish species, the Electric Blue Crayfish lifespan is about 5 or 6 years which is relatively long. It is possible for the crayfish to live a bit longer, but this is the average in captivity.

What do saltwater lobsters eat?

Most saltwater lobsters usually feed on crabs, small fish, and shrimp. However, if you are keeping a lobster pet, introduce food that sinks to the bottom of the tank where they like dwelling. Get the lobster freeze-dried brine shrimp, bloodworms and tubifex worms. Sinking shrimp pellets are an excellent choice.

How to keep lobsters from hiding in aquarium?

Put plenty of rocks, plants and three-sided objects in the tank. Crayfish and lobsters like to hide away from the light, so this will help them a lot. A good amount of sand and gravel will also provide enough material for your pet lobster to burrow and hide under.

What color is Debelius lobster?

Debelius lobster is quite a colorful addition to the aquarium displays. It has a white to a lavender body, with orange and violet spots. Build the tank with decent gravel bed to allow him to burrow in. They also like hiding in rocks, so provide plenty of those.

How long do lobsters live?

The lifespan of a lobster as a pet is not yet known, but some sources indicate that for European lobsters , the male ones live for about 34 years while female ones live up to 54 years. Other sources indicate that some species can live for as long as 100 years before they die.

What to feed sinking shrimp pellets?

Sinking shrimp pellets are an excellent choice. Some such as the cobalt blue lobster are scavengers and can feed on just about anything found at the bottom of the tank. Therefore, you can introduce into the tank any food remains, pellets, fish flakes, and live plants.

How to keep blue spiny lobsters?

Provide a dedicated tank. Use a thick acrylic tank to avoid the added expense of a water chiller. The blue spiny lobster is also an interesting pick you could keep. However, the feeding habits may be too demanding since as they grow (usually up to 24 inches long), they tend to feed endlessly. 3.

What are the features of a lobster?

They have very long, thick, spiny antennae and lack of chelae (claws) on the first four pairs of walking legs. These features distinguish them from common lobsters. These animals can make great aquatic displays if you observe the following care tips: Provide a dedicated tank.

What Are Electric Blue Crayfish?

Also known as Florida crayfish, they are the only crayfish native to Florida.

What does it mean when a crayfish has two antennae?

Something else grows out of their head, but these are much easier to see! You’ll notice some antenna growing out of the front end. Usually, they have two long antennae and 2 – 4 short antennae. The long antennae are used to help the crayfish establish the layout of an area.

Why do crayfish have to be kept in a cage?

This is to ensure that each crayfish has enough space to feel secure and to reduce the chances of fighting.

How many legs does a blue crayfish have?

The electric blue crayfish has four pairs of legs and a pair of chelipeds. The legs are jointed to allow them greater mobility over uneven substrates and river beds. They also end in tiny little grabbers. These are used to hold onto uneven surfaces, plants, and rocks.

How old do blue crayfish live?

Electric blue crayfish have a relatively long lifespan. With proper care and attention, they typically live to be 5 or 6 years old. In the aquatic world, that is a fair old time!

Why are crayfish so vibrant?

The reason that these crayfish are so vibrant is that they lack the gene to produce other pigments. This means that the blue is not diluted or washed out by yellows or reds. In the wild, Florida crayfish tend to have less vibrant colors. This is because they haven’t been so selectively bred.

What color are crayfish?

Even in captive bred crayfish, the coloring can vary. Some a brilliant, cobalt blue, while others are a darker navy shade. Most of the time, the crayfish will have a base shed that is spotted and flecked by darker blue spots. They may also have white patches or highlights on the underside of their body.

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