Freshwater 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,

Honestly, that depends on the size of the aquarium.  If you have a large tank like a 29 gal. or larger, then you could get some fiddler crabs or red claw crabs, maybe even a crayfish (until he gets big enough to eat your fish).  In a tank any smaller than 29 gallons, though, I wouldn't do it.  Crustaceans have a tendency to climb out of a tank any way they can, so even the tiniest of holes need to be covered.  If there's a way out, they'll find it.  Small tanks also don't give swimming fish enough room to stay a safe distance away from the crabs.  I've seen a male fiddler crab (the one with the big claw) take down a 6" plecostomus.  They are cool, but I wouldn't mix them to be on the safe side.

I hope this has helped, let me know if there's anything else I can do for you!

-Lindsay