Aquarium question

Question
Hi,
Please can you tell me what crab/crayfish species are suitable for a community aquarium with small fish (i.e red-light tetra ec)

Thanks for any help,
Justin

Answer
Hi Justin!

Crayfish can be very interesting aquarium inhabitants and there are many different species available to hobbyiests.
With the small crayfish such as the Orange Dwarf Crayfish (Camberellus patzuarensis) you can keep small fish such as neon tetras, mollies, swordtails and small catfish such as ancistrus. With bigger crayfish like the Australian crayfish which has been very popular in the hobby you can keep small fish as well as bigger fish such as Malawi cichlids, barbs, goldfish and labyrinth fish like gouramis and the like.
Normally the crayfish's claws are too big and heavy to allow them to catch small, fast fish. ONE factor to keep in mind : when you buy a crayfish and put him in your aquarium, the fish will usually need about 2-3 days to get used to the fact that they are now sharing space with a creature that can catch them.

Aquatic crabs can and do prey on smaller fish if they can catch them, but the smaller varieties are peaceful in the community tank, provided none of the their tankmates rest on the bottom (like neon tetras) Crabs do prefer brackish water but they will tolerate fresh water if a little salt is added, they generally are best suited to a paludarium setup. An Omnivorus diet should be provided for them made up of shrimp pellets, fruits, veggies, shellfish, worms, and other commercially available fish food. They will damage plants if there is not enough sufficient greenery provided for them. Some of the common smaller species you might be able to find are the Red Crab, or the red claw sri lanka crab. Crayfish should be fed about the same diet as with crabs by the way.

Well I hope this helps, remember with crabs and crayfish you must be cautious and always know there IS a possibility of a fish being caught, but with careful research on the species available in your area, you should have few if any problems with mixing them with community fish. GOOD LUCK!

Wish you the best!

If you have anymore questions, feel free to email me!
Happy fishkeeping!
Karen~