Lyla Lindsey
The Australian Crayfish, also known as the Redclaw Crayfish, is a tropical freshwater crayfish native to Australia. They are often called lobsters due to their large size, which can reach up to 5 inches (12-13 cm) in length. The Redclaw Crayfish is a popular species for aquaculture and aquarium enthusiasts due to its ability to withstand low oxygen levels and thrive in warm waters. They are also known for their exotic coloration, with a deep blue to green shell and bright red claws. In this article, we will explore the growth and size of the Australian Blue Lobster and provide tips for those interested in keeping them as pets or in an aquarium.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Blue Lobster, Australian Crayfish, Australian Crawfish, Freshwater Crayfish, Tropical Blue Crayfish, Freshwater Blueclaw Crayfish, Blue Lobster Crayfish, Australian Redclaw Crayfish, Queensland Redclaw, Redclaw, North Queensland Yabby, Yabby, Yabbie, Queensland Redclaw |
| Scientific Name | Procambarus alleni, Cherax quadricarinatus |
| Size | 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) in length; can grow up to 7 inches (18 cm) in the wild |
| Weight | Average market size of 50-150 grams (up to 1 pound or 454 grams) in 6-12 months; can reach up to 600 grams |
| Lifespan | Up to 5 years with proper care |
| Colour | Bright blue, red, orange, brown, white; the blue colour intensifies with maturity and in clean water |
| Habitat | Tropical freshwater crayfish native to Australia; thrives in warm waters with temperatures between 75˚ and 85˚ F (can withstand a range from 60˚ to 90˚ F) |
| Diet | Omnivorous; scavengers that eat uneaten food, debris, detritus, live and dead plants, fish flakes, pellets, tablets, algae wafers, live tank mates, dead tank mates, etc. |
| Behaviour | Territorial and aggressive, especially towards their own kind and small fish, snails, shrimp, clams, and larger fish; low level of aggression |
| Molting | Frequency decreases with age; baby blue crayfish molt every few days, juveniles molt every 1-3 weeks, adults molt every 4-8 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Blue crayfish are average-sized, growing up to 5 inches (12 cm)
Blue crayfish, also known as Procambarus alleni, are a type of crayfish that is commonly kept and sold in aquariums. They are known for their bright blue colour, although they can also be white, red, and brown, especially in the wild. These crayfish are considered average-sized, typically growing to a length of 4 to 5 inches (10 to 12 cm).
The growth of crustaceans like blue crayfish is a complex and asynchronous process. They increase in size directly after ecdysis, or moulting, which is the process of shedding their old exoskeleton. Blue crayfish moulting at different frequencies depending on their age, with baby crayfish moulting every few days and adult crayfish moulting every 4 to 8 weeks. During the moulting process, the crayfish ingest calcium to strengthen their new exoskeleton.
In terms of their size, blue crayfish are considered average-sized compared to other species of crayfish. They typically grow to a length of 4 to 5 inches (10 to 12 cm). This places them in the middle range of crayfish sizes, as some species can be significantly smaller or larger. For example, the Tropical Blue Crayfish, which is common in Australia, is known for its smaller size and pinchers.
It's worth noting that there are reports of wild blue crayfish measuring up to 7 inches (18 cm) in length. However, this is not common, and the majority of blue crayfish fall within the average size range. The life span of blue crayfish can be up to 5 years with proper care, and they are known for their ease of care and hardiness.
When it comes to keeping blue crayfish in captivity, it's important to provide a suitable tank size and environment. Blue crayfish require a tank with at least 20 gallons of water and plenty of space to roam and explore. They also prefer a tank with rocks, caves, and interesting hiding places. Due to their territorial and aggressive nature, they are typically kept in a single-species setup rather than a community tank.
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In the wild, they can reach 7 inches (18 cm)
Blue crayfish, also known as Procambarus alleni, are commonly found in Australia. They are a type of freshwater crayfish that has become immensely popular in the aquarium trade. They are known for their bright blue colour, although they can also be white, red, and brown, especially in the wild.
In terms of size, blue crayfish are considered average-sized compared to other crayfish species. Typically, they grow to a length of 4-5 inches (10-12 centimetres). However, it is important to note that their size can vary, especially in the wild.
Additionally, the frequency of molting, or shedding their old exoskeleton, decreases as they age. Young crayfish molt more frequently, with juveniles molting every 1-3 weeks and adults molting every 4-8 weeks. This process of molting allows for growth, as they ingest calcium to strengthen their new exoskeleton.
It is worth noting that the size of blue crayfish in captivity may differ from those in the wild due to factors such as diet, space, and breeding practices. In captivity, they are often provided with a controlled diet and adequate space to support their growth. Additionally, selective breeding by aquarium keepers and enthusiasts has focused on enhancing the intensity of their blue colour rather than their size.
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Baby blue crayfish can moult every few days
The growth of crustaceans is a complex and asynchronous process. Their size increases directly after molting, or shedding their old exoskeleton. Baby blue crayfish can molt every few days, and juvenile crayfish molt every one to three weeks. After each molt, the crayfish is in a vulnerable state as its new exoskeleton is soft. It will remain hidden and ingest calcium into an internal organ, rather than its exoskeleton, to reinforce the feeding parts.
Blue crayfish, also known as Procambarus alleni, are an average size for crayfish species, growing from 4 to 5 inches (10 to 12 centimeters) in length. However, some individuals in the wild can measure up to 7 inches (18 centimeters). The frequency of molting in blue crayfish decreases with age. Juveniles will molt every one to three weeks, and adults will molt every four to eight weeks.
The complete hardening of the exoskeleton takes about three days. During this time, the crayfish will not eat and will hide away. Blue crayfish are territorial and aggressive by nature, especially in confined spaces. They require a tank with at least 20 gallons of water and plenty of rocks, caves, and hiding places.
In their first year, juvenile crayfish can molt up to 12 times to accommodate their rapid increase in size. After each molt, their size increases by about 20%.
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Blue crayfish are territorial and aggressive
Blue crayfish, also known as the Electric Blue Crayfish, are a popular choice for aquarium owners due to their vibrant colouration. They are native to the Southeastern United States, particularly Florida, and are well-suited to freshwater environments. While they are relatively easy to care for, they are known for their territorial and aggressive behaviour, which can make them challenging to keep in a community tank.
Blue crayfish are opportunistic omnivores, consuming a variety of items they can grasp with their claws. They feed primarily on the substrate of their tank, including uneaten food, debris, detritus, live and dead plants, fish, and snails. They also display cannibalistic tendencies, preying on smaller crayfish, especially when feeling territorial or lacking protein in their diet. This behaviour makes it crucial to provide ample hiding spaces in their enclosure.
The territorial nature of blue crayfish is a significant factor in their aggressive behaviour. They are known to rearrange their surroundings, digging into the substrate and moving objects within their reach. This behaviour is driven by their desire to establish their territory and protect it from neighbouring crayfish. The provision of ample hiding spaces, created using rocks, driftwood, PVC pipes, and artificial plants, is essential to help them feel secure.
Additionally, blue crayfish exhibit aggressive interactions with other species. They can be aggressive towards small fish, snails, shrimp, and even larger fish. Their climbing abilities further emphasise the need for a secure lid on their enclosure to prevent escape. Their size and feeding habits contribute to their solitary confinement within a single-species tank, as maintaining a harmonious cohabitation with other species can be difficult.
The aggressive behaviour of blue crayfish is particularly notable during mating. After mating, there is a possibility of aggression between the male and female. Therefore, it is recommended to have a separate setup for the female once she is carrying her eggs. Blue crayfish grow to an average size of 4–5 inches (10–12 centimetres) in length, with reports of larger individuals in the wild.
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They are not fussy eaters and are great scavengers
Australian blue lobsters, also known as Tropical blue crayfish, are a species of crayfish commonly found in Australia. They are known for their vibrant blue coloration, which can range from bright blue to shades of red and orange. While they are smaller than true lobsters, they are still aggressive and territorial, especially towards other crayfish.
Tropical blue crayfish are not picky eaters and will consume almost anything they can get their claws on. They are known to be excellent scavengers, feeding on a variety of items found at the bottom of their tanks or in their natural habitat. In captivity, they will eat uneaten food, debris, detritus, live or dead plants, fish flakes, pellets, tablets, and even their tank mates. In the wild, they prefer marsh habitats dominated by plants, where they can find a variety of food sources.
Hammers Cobalt Blue Lobsters, a type of Tropical blue crayfish, are known to eat almost anything, including live and dead plants, fish flakes, pellets, tablets, algae wafers, and even their tank mates. While they will eat dead tank mates, it is important to remove them from the tank to maintain water quality and prevent the spread of diseases. Additionally, calcium is an essential component of their diet, as it aids in molting and healthy shell growth.
As scavengers, they play a vital role in their ecosystem by consuming a variety of food sources and maintaining a balanced diet. Their diet in the wild may differ from what they are fed in captivity, as they have access to a wider range of food options. However, their opportunistic feeding behavior ensures that they can adapt to various food sources, making them resilient and adaptable creatures.
Tropical blue crayfish are known to be cannibalistic, especially when they feel threatened or lack protein in their diet. They will not hesitate to eat other crayfish in their tank, and as they grow larger, they may need to be separated to avoid further cannibalization. This behavior highlights their aggressive nature and the importance of providing them with sufficient space, food, and hiding places in captivity.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian blue lobsters, or crayfish, are typically 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) in length, but can grow up to 7 inches (18 cm) in the wild.
Australian blue lobsters are commonly referred to as Redclaw Crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, or by various other names such as Queensland Redclaw, Redclaw, Tropical Blue Crayfish, and Yabby.
The average lifespan of an Australian blue lobster is up to 5 years when properly cared for.
A tank with a capacity of at least 20 gallons of water is recommended for an Australian blue lobster, along with rocks, caves, and hiding places to explore.
Australian blue lobsters are not picky eaters and will scavenge for food. They eat uneaten food, debris, live and dead plants, fish flakes, pellets, and even their tank mates. It is important to ensure they get enough calcium in their diet for healthy shell growth.
