Blue Crayfish

Looks how to spot one

Exoskeleton

A typical lobster-shaped crayfish with two strong claws and a fan tail. Wild animals range from tan-brown to bluish, while aquarium lines have been bred for an intense cobalt blue all over.12

Personality what they are like

Confident and busy. It climbs, digs and rearranges its tank, and may catch small fish that sleep near the bottom, so it is best treated as the star of its own tank.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Active, especially in warmer water. Give room to roam, climb and burrow, with several caves.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Needs clean water, a gravel bottom to dig in and hiding caves for moulting. Plants may be chewed. A tight-fitting lid is wise since crayfish are good climbers.2

Home where they are happiest

German Wikipedia suggests at least a 60 cm tank for one animal and about 1 m or more for a pair, at around 20-25 °C. Gravel substrate, caves and sturdy decor.2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivorous. In nature it eats water plants, fallen leaves, carrion and small animals. In the aquarium offer crayfish pellets plus vegetables such as carrot, cucumber, peas and pepper.2

Company who they like around

Usually best kept alone or as a carefully set up pair in a large tank. Small bottom-dwelling fish may be caught.2

The story where it all began

Named by Faxon in 1884, this crayfish is native only to Florida. Wild animals are often brown, but the blue form attracted aquarists, and selective breeding produced the vivid blue line now common in the hobby.12

Recognised by the official bits

Taxonomy (via Wikipedia)

Procambarus alleni (Faxon, 1884), family Cambaridae.1

IUCN Red List (via Wikipedia)

Least Concern.1