How to raise ornamental crayfish at home: 11 steps to raising them in a fish tank.

Are you looking for a simple, easy-to-follow method to raise ornamental crayfish at home that will keep them healthy, long-lived, and beautifully colored? The good news is that ornamental crayfish aren't as difficult to raise as many people think. With a sufficiently large tank, suitable food, and a little daily attention, you can own a unique and interesting "aquatic pet." In this article, you'll quickly grasp the most important principles of raising ornamental crayfish, avoid common mistakes, and save time on unnecessary trial and error. Raising them correctly from the start ensures healthy crayfish and makes your life easier.

Method 1: Instructions for preparing a home pond for raising freshwater prawns.

Step 1: How to choose and properly own ornamental crayfish for beginners

Choose a suitable place or source to buy ornamental crayfish.

• Ornamental crayfish are commonly sold at aquarium stores, especially those specializing in tropical fish and aquatic life.

• Some large pet stores also sell them, but you should ask about their origin and previous care conditions.

• Prioritize reputable vendors, ensuring the shrimp are healthy, have full claws, move actively, and are not sluggish or have missing claws.

Learn about each type of ornamental crayfish before buying.

• Each species of ornamental crayfish has different sizes, temperaments, and environmental requirements.

• Beginners should choose popular, easy-to-care-for, and less aggressive breeds to minimize risks and improve maintenance.

• Doing some research beforehand will help you avoid buying the wrong species that are difficult to keep or unsuitable for your existing tank.

You should only keep one dog when you first start.

• For those new to keeping ornamental crayfish, keeping a single one is the safest option.

• Prawns are highly territorial, and raising many of them without experience can easily lead to fighting and broken claws.

• Once you're familiar with caring for the animals, managing their water, and feeding them, then you should consider raising more.

Ornamental crayfish prices and things to keep in mind.

• Ornamental crayfish typically cost from around $20 and up, depending on size and color.

• Rare varieties, those with unusual colors, or those that are fully grown can fetch higher prices, starting at $30 or more.

• Avoid choosing shrimp that are too cheap, as they are often weak, recently molted, or stressed after transportation.

Catching shrimp in the wild – requires careful consideration.

• In some areas, crayfish can be caught in streams or shallow ponds.

• If catching them in the wild, use a small net and carefully check under rocks and in crevices.

• However, wild shrimp are often difficult to domesticate, easily carry diseases, and are not suitable for indoor aquariums.

• For those who keep ornamental crayfish, buying from a store is still the safer and easier-to-care-for option.

Step 2: Prepare a standard tank for raising ornamental prawns.

Choose the right tank size from the start.

• Each ornamental crayfish needs a tank of at least 5–10 gallons (approximately 19–38 liters) to live comfortably.

• For larger ornamental crayfish or beginners, a 15–20 gallon (57–76 liter) tank is ideal, providing more stable water and easier environmental control.

• The larger the tank, the less stress the shrimp experience, reducing aggression and the risk of broken claws.

A mandatory oxygenation system is required.

• Ornamental crayfish do not breathe as completely as fish; if there is a lack of dissolved oxygen, they can suffocate and die even while still underwater.

• An air pump, bubble generator, or long air bar should be installed to ensure oxygen is evenly distributed throughout the tank.

• For large tanks, it's best to prioritize bubble walls or air pumps with stable power, running continuously 24/7.

Keep the water cool, avoid heated pools.

• Ornamental crayfish thrive in cool environments, similar to the mud at the bottom of natural rivers and streams.

• Do not use a heated pool or place the pool in areas with high temperatures or direct sunlight.

• Excessively warm temperatures can stress shrimp, leading to molting errors and reduced lifespan.

Prioritize tanks with filtration and water circulation.

• Aquariums for ornamental crayfish should have an integrated filtration system to keep the water clean and minimize waste buildup.

• Filtration helps keep the water circulating, reduces odors, and limits harmful bacteria.

• For those new to keeping ornamental crayfish, using a tank with a built-in filter is the safest and easiest solution to manage.

Step 3: Properly prepare the water in the ornamental prawn tank.

Use clean and stable water supply from the start.

• Aquariums for ornamental crayfish need to be filled with clean, uncontaminated water, and if using tap water, the water should be dechlorinated.

• Stable water conditions help to minimize environmental shock to shrimp, which is especially important for newly stocked shrimp.

Maintain the water pH at a neutral level.

• Ornamental crayfish thrive best in water with a pH of around 7.0.

• Water that is too acidic or too alkaline can easily stress shrimp, causing them to stop eating and have incomplete molting.

• It's a good idea to have a pH test kit for regular checks; these are readily available at aquarium stores or pool supply shops.

Maintain the appropriate water temperature.

• The ideal temperature for raising ornamental crayfish is around 21–24°C.

• If the tank is placed indoors, the temperature is usually quite stable and no heating equipment is needed.

• Avoid placing the tank near windows, stoves, or areas with constantly changing heat sources.

Limit decorative items that alter pH levels.

• Do not introduce seashells, coral, or materials containing foreign minerals into the tank for keeping ornamental crayfish.

• These substances can increase alkalinity, causing pH imbalances that are difficult to control.

• Prioritize inert substrates, neutral rocks, or decorations specifically designed for freshwater aquariums.

Step 4: Change the water in the ornamental prawn tank correctly and at the right frequency.

Change the water at least once a week.

• Ornamental crayfish excrete a significantly larger amount of waste compared to regular ornamental fish.

• If the water isn't changed regularly, accumulated waste will quickly pollute the water, easily causing stress and disease in shrimp.

• Regular water changes help maintain a clean and stable environment, supporting better molting in shrimp.

Only change some of the water, not all of it.

• Each time you change the water, you should only remove about 1/4 to 1/2 of the total water in the tank.

• Then, gradually add fresh water to avoid shocking the shrimp with heat or pH shock.

• The new water needs to be dechlorinated and have a temperature close to the old water in the tank.

Increase the frequency of water changes if the tank does not have a filter.

• For ornamental crayfish tanks without a filtration system, the water should be changed approximately twice a week.

• The amount of water changed each time should be kept at a moderate level to avoid disrupting the microbial ecosystem in the tank.

• Observe the water color and smell in the tank to adjust the water change schedule accordingly.

Choose the right filter for your ornamental crayfish tank.

• Hang-on filters, tank-mounted filters, or sponge filters should be used.

• Ornamental crayfish have a habit of digging in the substrate, so using a bottom filter can easily cause clogging and reduce filtration efficiency.

• Foam filters are both safe and easy to clean, making them especially suitable for beginners learning how to raise ornamental crayfish.

Step 5: Create a natural environment to reduce stress for ornamental crayfish.

Add more hiding places and digging areas.

• Ornamental crayfish have a habit of digging burrows, hiding, and exploring their surroundings.

• You should place rocks, freshwater logs, aquatic plants, or PVC pipes at the bottom of the tank to provide the shrimp with a natural living space.

• These materials help shrimp move around, reduce stress, and limit aggressive behavior.

Prioritize enclosed, sturdy structures to make the shrimp feel secure.

• Hollow rocks, plastic tubes, hamster cages, or small inverted boxes are all suitable options.

• Sheltered hiding places are especially important during the shrimp molting period, when their bodies are still soft and very vulnerable.

• Each pet crayfish should have at least one hiding place of its own to avoid competition.

Control the lighting in the tank.

• Ornamental crayfish prefer dark environments with little direct light.

• Avoid strong lighting, don't leave the lights on all day, or place the tank in direct natural sunlight.

• You can cover one side of the tank or turn off surrounding light sources to create a sense of security for the shrimp.

Simple to organize, easy to clean.

• Avoid overcrowding the tank with decorations, as this can make it cramped and difficult to change the water.

• A neat arrangement makes it easy to observe the health, behavior, and molting status of ornamental crayfish.

Method 2: Secrets to feeding crayfish for faster growth and fewer diseases

Step 1: Feed your ornamental crayfish properly to ensure good health and molting.

Feed them specialized kibble every day.

• Each day, simply feed your pet crayfish a small amount of sinking crayfish or lobster food pellets.

• The pelleted feed is rich in protein, minerals, and micronutrients, helping shrimp grow steadily and develop strong shells.

• When raising ornamental crayfish, this should be the main and long-term food source.

Scatter food near the shrimp's hiding places.

• Ornamental crayfish typically feed in familiar areas and hiding places.

• Food pellets should be scattered around rock crevices, PVC pipes, or corners of the tank where shrimp frequent.

• This method makes it easier for shrimp to access food, reducing the amount of excess food floating around the tank.

Supplement with frozen foods at moderate frequency.

• You can supplement the shrimp's diet with frozen foods intended for aquarium fish, such as frozen daphnia, frozen tubifex worms, or artemia.

• Pelleted feed should only be given as an alternative, not as a complete replacement.

• Proper supplementation helps shrimp eat more readily and provides a diverse range of nutrients.

Never feed your child raw or uncooked shrimp.

• Live and fresh shrimp can carry dangerous pathogens that can harm ornamental prawns.

• Some shrimp diseases can cause rapid mortality and spread throughout the tank.

• If you want to supplement natural protein, you should only use processed food specifically designed for aquariums.

Step 2: Adding vegetables helps ornamental prawns eat well and develop in a balanced way.

Feed ornamental crayfish extra vegetables regularly.

• In addition to pellets, you should supplement their diet with vegetables to diversify their food when raising ornamental crayfish.

• You can use lettuce, cabbage, zucchini, or cucumber, cut into small pieces and drop them to the bottom of the tank.

• Vegetables like peas, carrots, and sweet potatoes are also suitable if they are cut into small, easy-to-eat pieces.

Prioritize submerged, easily accessible vegetables.

• Vegetables should be thinly sliced ​​or blanched so they sink quickly to the bottom.

• This helps the ornamental crayfish easily access food, in accordance with their foraging habits at the bottom of the tank.

• Avoid letting vegetables float on the water's surface for too long, as this can dirty the tank.

Don't be surprised if vegetables disappear very quickly.

• Ornamental crayfish love to nibble on plants and can eat up vegetables in a short amount of time.

• This is normal behavior, indicating that the shrimp are healthy and eating well.

• Observe the amount of food consumed and adjust accordingly, avoiding releasing too much at once.

It's possible to use vegetables that are about to spoil, but proper handling is necessary.

• Ornamental crayfish can still eat vegetables that are slightly soft or starting to wilt.

• This is a fairly effective way to save and utilize food.

• However, vegetables with strange odors, mold, or excessive decomposition should be avoided as they can easily contaminate the water.

Control the amount and timing of food in the tank.

• Vegetables should only be left in the tank for a few hours to a maximum of one day.

• If there is any leftover, it should be removed to prevent the water from becoming dirty quickly.

• A key principle in raising ornamental crayfish is to prevent the accumulation of excess food.

Combine a variety of foods to ensure optimal shrimp growth.

• You should alternate between pellets, high-protein foods, and vegetables.

• Diversifying the diet helps shrimp develop comprehensively, have strong shells, and molt regularly.

• There's no need to feed large amounts every day; you can feed daily or a few times a week depending on the stocking density.

Step 3: Control the amount of food to keep your ornamental prawns healthy.

Feed only the right amount each day.

• When raising ornamental prawns, simply sprinkling them lightly with pellets or a small amount of vegetables once or twice a day is sufficient.

• Shrimp will stop eating when they are full; overfeeding them will not help them grow faster and may even be harmful.

• The key principle is to use small but consistent amounts, making it easy to control water quality.

Remove any leftover food immediately after feeding.

• Leftover food that sinks to the bottom of the tank will decompose quickly, making the water cloudy and promoting the growth of harmful bacteria.

• After feeding for a while, you should check and remove any leftover food.

• This helps reduce tank odor and limits the need for frequent water changes.

Raising more shrimp means increasing the quantity, but it's still necessary to maintain control.

• If you are raising more than one ornamental crayfish, you can double the amount of food.

• However, it's still necessary to observe carefully and clean up leftover food as soon as possible.

• Raising multiple shrimp together is not recommended for beginners due to the difficulty in controlling them.

Overfeeding is harmful to shrimp.

• Overfeeding ornamental crayfish can lead to soft shells, weak shells, and incomplete molting.

• This is a common reason why shrimp die easily after molting, which novices often overlook.

• Feed control is a simple but effective way to keep shrimp healthy in the long term.

Method 3: Tips for caring for crayfish when raising them together with fish.

Step 1: Protect ornamental crayfish when keeping them with other fish.

Prioritize separate tanks for optimal growth of ornamental crayfish.

• Ornamental crayfish thrive best when kept in spacious tanks with minimal disturbance.

• Separate tanks help reduce stress, decrease defensive behavior, and allow shrimp to molt more safely.

• This is a suitable option for beginners learning how to raise ornamental crayfish.

It can be kept with small, fast-swimming fish.

• Ornamental crayfish generally live quite peacefully with small fish species such as goldfish, guppies, swordfish, mollyfish, neon tetras, or barbs.

• Because they move slowly, shrimp have difficulty catching strong, fast-swimming fish.

• Occasionally, mild aggression may occur, but it rarely poses a real threat.

Shrimp typically only attack weak or dying fish.

• If you see your ornamental crayfish eating fish in the tank, in most cases the fish were already weak, sick, or lying at the bottom.

• This is natural behavior, not a sign that the shrimp are "predating" a healthy fish.

• This also helps to clean up the biological activity in the tank.

Minimize risks when raising animals together in a community tank.

• Some experienced fish farmers use the method of shortening the tip of the inner claw to reduce its ability to pinch fish.

• This requires clean tools, careful handling, and should only be done when absolutely necessary.

• After some time, it is possible for the hair to grow back, so regular monitoring is still necessary.

• For beginners, this method should not be used without prior experience.

Avoid keeping them with large or predatory fish.

• Large fish species such as ornamental tilapia, cichlids, or large catfish can attack ornamental crayfish.

• Numerous cases have been reported of shrimp being severely injured or dying when raised together with predatory fish.

• Although shrimp don't actively cause harm, they are the more vulnerable party.

It is not advisable to keep too many ornamental crayfish in the same tank.

• Ornamental crayfish are highly territorial, especially in confined spaces.

• Raising too many birds can easily lead to them fighting, breaking their claws, or dying after molting.

• If you must keep more than one animal, you will need:

  • The pool is really big.

  • Many hiding places

  • They are of the same species and similar size.

Step 2: Assist ornamental crayfish in molting safely and correctly.

Understanding the molting process of ornamental crayfish correctly.

• Ornamental crayfish molt periodically, every few months, to grow and replace their old shells.

• This is a completely natural but also the most sensitive stage in the breeding of ornamental crayfish.

• After molting, shrimp bodies are very soft and easily weakened if the tank conditions are not suitable.

Do not remove the old shells from the tank after the shrimp have molted.

• Old shells are not waste; they are an important source of calcium and minerals.

• Shrimp will eat away at this shell over the next few days to regenerate a new, stronger shell.

• Removing the shells too early can cause shrimp to lack minerals, their new shells to soften, and make them more susceptible to death.

Stop feeding for the first few days after molting.

• For the first 3–5 days, ornamental crayfish eat almost exclusively old shells.

• Adding extra food at this time is unnecessary and can easily pollute the water.

• Feeding should only resume when the shrimp appear active and their shells begin to harden.

Iodine supplementation to support molting.

• When shrimp begin to show signs of molting, you can add a few drops of potassium iodide solution to the tank.

• Iodine helps the molting process to proceed smoothly, reducing shrimp mortality due to mineral deficiencies.

• This product is readily available at aquarium stores, but it needs to be used in the correct dosage to avoid overuse.

Protect shrimp during the soft-bodied stage.

• After molting, shrimp are very vulnerable to attacks from other fish or malnutrition.

• If raised together, plenty of secluded hiding places are needed for the shrimp to take cover during this time.

• This is why keeping ornamental crayfish in separate tanks remains the safest option.

Use a sandy substrate to aid the molting process.

• The fine sand helps shrimp orient their bodies when molting.

• During this process, the shrimp needs a small pivot point on its back to rotate and shed its old shell.

• Without enough sand, shrimp can flip over, fail to molt properly, and die.

• A sandy substrate also helps create a more natural tank environment, which is especially beneficial for ornamental crayfish.

Step 3: Seal the tank tightly to prevent the ornamental crayfish from escaping.

Always ensure the aquarium has a secure lid.

• Ornamental crayfish have a very strong exploratory instinct and are quite good at climbing.

• If the tank doesn't have a lid, shrimp can crawl out the moment you're not looking.

• It's best to use a tank with a removable lid, as it's easy to open for maintenance and ensures long-term safety.

Seal any gaps around the rim of the tank.

• If a standard lid is not available, carefully check the gaps near the edge of the tank, especially in the filter and piping areas.

• You can use filter sponges or small pieces of foam to fill these gaps.

• Do not use thin plastic, nylon, or aluminum foil as the shrimp may gnaw on them, which could be harmful to their health.

Proactively eliminate all potential escape routes.

• Air hoses, filter pipes, and tall decorative plants can all be used as ladders to help shrimp climb out.

• When setting up a tank for ornamental crayfish, arrange it so that no objects touch the edges of the tank.

• Regular inspections help you detect potential tank leakage risks early.

Shrimp that escape can die very quickly.

• When removed from water, ornamental crayfish will dehydrate and become weak within just a few hours.

• In many cases, people discover the problem too late, even though the tank appears perfectly normal.

• Therefore, prevention is always more important than treatment.

Handle properly if the shrimp have crawled out.

• Do not immediately release the shrimp back into the deep tank as usual.

• Place the shrimp in a shallow tray or container, filling it with just enough water to cover their bodies.

• This helps the shrimp's gills gradually readjust to the water.

• After a short time, when the shrimp have stabilized, they are transferred back to the main tank.

• Dropping shrimp directly into deep water can cause them to suffocate and die.

Important considerations for safe and sustainable ornamental prawn farming.

Hold shrimp properly to avoid getting pinched.

• When handling or moving ornamental crayfish, always reach your hand behind them and support the underside of their chest, near their legs.

• Do not hold the shrimp from the front or by the claws, as its clamping reflex is very quick and strong.

• Shrimp should only be harvested when absolutely necessary, such as for tank cleaning or health checks.

The lifespan of ornamental crayfish depends largely on how they are raised.

• Under typical farming conditions, ornamental crayfish usually live for about 2–3 years.

• If the environment is stable, the water quality is good, the food is proper, and there is little stress, shrimp can live for 7–8 years.

• This shows that the proper way to raise ornamental crayfish directly affects their lifespan.

Use a thick layer of sand or gravel for the shrimp to dig in.

• Ornamental crayfish love to dig burrows in the ground to find shelter, search for food, or exercise.

• A sufficiently thick layer of fine sand or gravel should be spread at the bottom of the pool.

• A suitable substrate helps reduce stress in shrimp and supports the molting process.

Add aquatic plants and create more shade.

• Ornamental crayfish need plants to cling to, take shelter, and feel safe.

• A tank with many dark corners will encourage shrimp to be more active instead of hiding all day.

• Prioritize durable aquatic plants with strong roots that won't be easily damaged by shrimp.

If you're raising many shrimp, each one needs its own hiding place.

• Each ornamental crayfish needs at least one burrow with multiple entrances and exits.

• This is especially important during the molting period, when shrimp are soft and defenseless.

• A burrow that is too narrow or has only one exit can trap and kill shrimp.

Weekly water quality testing

• Use a liquid water test kit to check for ammonia, nitrite, pH, and hardness.

• If you notice unusual changes in the parameters, you should immediately change the water in portions to avoid shock.

• Always use a dechlorinating solution when adding new water to protect your ornamental crayfish.

Place vegetables near the shelter to reduce competition for food.

• Blanched vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, and spinach should be placed near the shrimp burrows.

• This method encourages natural foraging behavior and reduces aggression during feeding.

• It's especially useful when kept with docile creatures like shrimp or snails.

Safe decorations help shrimp confidently explore the tank.

• Driftwood, rock formations, and real aquatic plants help the tank resemble a natural environment.

• When they feel safe, ornamental crayfish will be more active and healthier.

• The location of the decorations can be changed periodically to reduce territorial disputes.

How to handle situations where the dominant shrimp bullies other shrimp.

• If one fish is taking up a prime spot and constantly putting pressure on another, rearrange the tank.

• Changing the layout helps "reset" the territory and create a fairer opportunity for other individuals.

• This is a practical tip often used by experienced breeders.

Monitor closely when releasing new shrimp or fish.

• Observe for signs such as raising claws high, chasing, or continuously gripping.

• If you see aggressive shrimp, separate them immediately to avoid injuring the weaker ones.

• You shouldn't release new eggs and then leave them unattended for the first few days.

Absolutely avoid foods containing copper.

• Copper is extremely toxic to ornamental crayfish.

• Many types of fish food contain copper, so it's important to read the ingredients carefully before use.

• Choose only food specifically formulated for crustaceans or food that has been certified safe.

Do not release farmed shrimp into the natural environment.

• Ornamental crayfish kept in tanks can carry diseases or cause ecological imbalances.

• Releasing them into natural rivers and ponds could seriously affect native species.

• This is a mandatory principle for responsible farmers.

Limit the number of shrimp in one tank.

• Ornamental crayfish are highly territorial.

• Raising many fish requires a large tank, a lot of experience, and constant monitoring.

• For most players, raising just one pet remains the most efficient and hassle-free option.

Avoid removing shrimp from the tank frequently.

• Due to their color and size, ornamental crayfish can easily "disappear" in a tank.

• It is not advisable to make a habit of removing shrimp from the tank, except for cleaning or draining the tank.

• Repeated harvesting causes stress to shrimp and significantly reduces their lifespan.

References

1. https://www.aquariadise.com/pet-crayfish-7-freshwater-aquarium-crayfish/
2. https://www.aquariumcarebasics.com/aquarium-crayfish/
3. https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/fisheries/aquaculture/species/redclaw-crayfish
4. https://www.carolina.com/teacher-resources/Interactive/care-guide-crayfish/tr10489.tr
5. https://bluecrayfish.com/north_american_crayfish_care_she.htm
6. https://www.aquariumsource.com/what-do-crayfish-eat/
7. https://peerj.com/articles/15449.pdf

Translated by: Sidney Bailey Hoang .