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Invertebrates
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Blue Florida Crayfish
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Cherry
Shrimp
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Fan Shrimp
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Malawi Blue Crab
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| Florida Blue Crayfish |
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Procambarus
alleni,
also known as the Blue Florida Crayfish. It grows up to 15 cm in length
and can tolerate temperatures from 10 - 22 degrees Celsius (50 - 70 Fahrenheit)
so it is recommended that the aquarium not be heated. These crayfish need
oxygen, so an air stone at the bottom of the aquarium is recommended. The
aquarium should be completely covered. Crayfish will climb out of the tank
and then die of dehydration.
Crayfish do best on shrimp pellets and
live blackworms. Each crayfish needs a secure sanctuary within their
aquarium, to feel secure. Crayfish
will seek this sanctuary on a regular basis, especially during and right after
moulting
Tankmates:
There are very few safe tankmates with crayfish.
This is because most tankmates either get eaten by the crayfish, or eat
the crayfish. Crayfish are
especially vulnerable when their shells are soft, and when they are weakened,
right after moulting. Cichlids
are noted for eventually dining on crayfish.
Also, many tankmates get ruled out because they require tropical
temperatures. Crayfish generally
need room temperature
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Cherry Shrimp |
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Neocaridina denticulata
red var. These Red Cherry shrimp originated in wild freshwater streams
and ponds in Taiwan. The water is fresh and the temperature is usually
between 23 to 30 degrees C . They stay bright red all the time, but only
if they have sufficient amounts of natural or artificial
light. For example, after shipping, they may appear light gray or
black in color. After being placed in a water grass or
other aquatic plant aquarium with sufficient overhead light, they
will return to their bright red color within an hour. Their bright red
color is very beautiful against the green colors of aquatic plants, and
they are great tank cleaners.
These shrimp will also lose some of their coloring during the
time when they shed their shells. They become light pink to whitish pink
at that time. This shedding has been noted to occur around mid August in
Taiwan. As these are a newly discover shrimp (summer 2002), they
have not been observed for a lengthy amount of time.
The Red Cherry Shrimp have a tolerance which extends from 15 to 28
degrees Celsius . At more than 30 degrees, they will become sick. The
most appropriate temperature range for them is between 20 to 26 degrees
Celsius.
These shrimp are also very sensitive to metal compounds, particularly
copper. If tanks have been cleaned with disinfectants that contain metal
compounds or copper, the shrimp may become sick
and die. The shrimp should not be exposed to any
chemicals used to control ich. Also, if the nitrate values are
more than 25 mg/l (25 ppm), they cannot survive.
The shrimp are most active at night. It is best to turn off the light
and feed them in the evening. Feed them algivorous or thread algae.
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Tropical fish and aquarium information about freshwater species, fish care,
fish facts, compatibility and aquarium maintenance.
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