Lobsters for sale in the Netherlands

Aquarium crayfish: behaviour and suitability

Crayfish investigate, move and undermine almost everything. They are especially vulnerable during and just after moulting, when tank mates may injure or eat the soft animal. Always assess the actual animal and, when a trade label covers several species, verify the scientific name before acquisition. Age, sex, health and previous housing can noticeably influence behaviour.

Care and housing

Use a heavy lid without cable gaps, several caves per animal and rockwork that cannot collapse. Check whether the species attacks plants, fish or conspecifics and avoid keeping invasive species. Set up the complete enclosure before the animal arrives and record relevant values and daily behaviour. A sudden change in appetite, activity, breathing, posture or droppings calls for a check of the environment and, where needed, knowledgeable help.

Health and responsible acquisition

Ask for scientific name and origin and choose an animal with all legs, claws and antennae intact. Never release crayfish. Some carry crayfish plague or may not be kept or traded because of invasion risk. Ask the seller about age, origin, current care and known health problems, and ensure any documents belong to the animal offered. Never choose on colour, size or price alone, and identify a knowledgeable veterinarian or other species expert before urgent problems arise.