As an amateur crayfish enthusiast, you may be wondering how big blue crayfish get. The average adult size for a blue crayfish is 4-5 inches in body length, not including the claws. When purchasing blue crayfish, the average size you will see in stores is 2-3 inches.
So, how big do blue crayfish get?
Blue crayfish typically grow to an adult size of 4-5 inches in body length, minus claws. The average purchase size is usually 2-3 inches. However, some individual crayfish may grow larger or smaller than these averages.
Let’s dig into it and see if we can solve the mystery.
Do Blue Crayfish Grow To A Certain Size?
It is a common misconception that blue crayfish grow to a certain size. In reality, blue crayfish can range in size from 4 – 5 inches on average. However, there are reports that in the wild some individuals can measure up to 10 inches. The truth is, freshwater lobsters don’t exist. Crayfish belong to the same family, but they are much smaller in size and have some unique physical characteristics.
Due to the size and waste production of this crayfish, a minimum 30-gallon, well-filtered aquarium is necessary for one adult. A larger aquarium can house multiple crayfish. Finally, make sure they are getting Calcium in their diet. Calcium is important for molting and healthy shell growth.
Interestingly, it is the lack of a particular gene that causes the brilliant blue coloration of these crayfish. These crayfish can live in almost any freshwater environment. Before purchasing a crayfish, a owner should do some research to ensure that they are getting the right size for their aquarium. An average creek chub can grow up to 12 inches in length, and will soon need a much larger space to live.
Crayfish can range in size from 4 – 5 inches on average, but there are reports that some individuals in the wild can measure up to 10 inches.
How Long Do Blue Crayfish Live?
As most crayfish species only live for around 5-6 years, the Electric Blue Crayfish lifespan is relatively long. However, it is possible for the crayfish to live even longer if their living environment is well-suited to their needs. In captivity, when properly cared for, these bright blue scavengers can live for about three to six years. Six years is a long time for a crayfish, and is a testament to their hardiness.
Electric Blue Crayfish can live for 3-6 years.
What Do Blue Crayfish Eat?
As scavengers, blue crayfish will eat just about anything they can get their claws on. This includes live plants, dead leaves and roots, small fish, and even other crayfish. In captivity, you can provide them with a variety of foods, including pellets, sinking wafers, blanched vegetables, and live foods.
Blue crayfish are scavengers and will eat anything they can get their claws on, including live plants, dead leaves and roots, small fish, and other crayfish.
Where Do Blue Crayfish Live?
As mentioned in the title, blue crayfish can get quite large – up to two feet in length in some cases! They typically inhabit freshwater marshes, ditches, streams, wetlands, and flood plains, primarily in Florida (though they can be found in other southeastern states as well). Blue crayfish make excellent pets; they’re relatively low maintenance and can be quite active – perfect for those who want a bit of excitement in their aquarium!
Blue crayfish can typically be found in freshwater marshes, ditches, streams, wetlands, and flood plains in Florida and other southeastern states.
What Is The Biggest Blue Crayfish On Record?
The biggest blue crayfish on record is the Atlantic Salmon, which weighed in at 14 lb. 4 oz. This fish was caught in Lake Michigan in Lake County. The second biggest blue crayfish is the Bighead Carp, which weighed in at 53 lb. 8 oz. This fish was caught in the White River in Pike County. The third biggest blue crayfish is the Blue Catfish, which weighed in at 104 lb. This fish was caught in the Ohio River.
The largest recorded blue crayfish is the Atlantic Salmon, which weighed in at 14 lb. 4 oz.
What Size Tank Does A Blue Crayfish Need?
A blue crayfish needs a tank that is at least 20 gallons in size. They are known for being good at keeping tanks clean, and they can live for up to 5 or 6 years with proper care.
How Often Do Blue Crayfish Eat?
It is recommended that you feed your blue crayfish every day in order to prevent them from preying on their tankmates. However, you should be careful not to overfeed them, and always remove any uneaten food from the tank after 24 hours. Be warned that blue crayfish are known to eat their tankmates, including other crayfish, if given the opportunity.
What Can Live With Blue Crayfish?
There are a number of different animals that can live with blue crayfish, including other types of crayfish, fish, and snails. When choosing tankmates for blue crayfish, it is important to consider their temperament and size. Blue crayfish can be aggressive, and they may attack smaller tankmates. They also need a lot of hiding places, so tankmates that are too large or active may stress them out.
Some good tankmates for blue crayfish include other crayfish species such as whitecloud mountain minnows, danios, and guppies. These fish are all relatively peaceful and small, so they are unlikely to be attacked by the blue crayfish. Snails are also a good option, and they can help to keep the tank clean.
When choosing tankmates for blue crayfish, it is important to do some research to make sure that they will be compatible. It is also a good idea to start with a few fish or snails and add more as the blue crayfish becomes more acclimated to its new tankmates.
How Much Is A Blue Crayfish Worth?
The price of electric blue crayfish per pound can range from $40 to $50, depending on the size of the crayfish. The price may also differ depending on the season, as crayfish captured in the wild tend to be more expensive during certain times of the year.
How Rare Is A Blue Crayfish?
One blue crayfish is found for every two million lobsters caught, making them quite rare.
How Long Do Blue Crayfish Live?
The average lifespan of a blue crayfish is 5-6 years, although it can vary depending on the living conditions.
How Big Do Electric Blue Crayfish Get When Fully Grown?
Electric blue crayfish can grow to be 4-6 inches long when fully grown.
FAQs
- What Do Blue Crayfish Eat?: Crayfish are typically opportunistic eaters that consume smaller prey, such as insects, snails, and other invertebrates. In captivity, they can be fed live plants, pellets, sinking wafers, and blanched vegetables.
- How Much Do The Blue Crayfish Cost?: The average cost of electric blue crayfish is $20-$50 U.S. dollars.
- What Is An Ideal Blue Crayfish Tank Size?: The ideal blue crayfish tank size is 30 gallons.
- What Is The Average Price For A Blue Crayfish?: The average price for a blue crayfish is $30 to $40 US dollars.
- What Are The Best Blue Crayfish Tank Mates?: The best blue crayfish tank mates are those that are peaceful, fast, and able to clean the tank.
Final Word
As you can see, blue crayfish can range in size from 2-5 inches, but they are usually around 4 inches long. These creatures are fascinating animals that are a joy to watch and care for. If you are thinking about getting a blue crayfish, be sure to do your research first and find a reputable breeder or pet store.
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