Carrying noble crayfish - Astacus astacus

Health police

Noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) spend a lot of time during the day digging. They like hiding places in the form of roots, stones, clay pipes and the like. In the hiding place, the crayfish eats its prey and rests. Since it feeds on dead plant parts and dead animals, it is a real enrichment for every pond. Like other crayfish species, it is virtually the health police of the garden pond. Without the pond owner having to become active and use chemical agents, the arthropod cleverly contributes to improved water quality.

No native crayfish species is larger than the noble crayfish. The males can reach a proud length of up to 20 cm, while the females are about five centimeters smaller. They can be distinguished by turning them on their backs; the males have so-called styli, the females have gonopores. With good care the animals can reproduce, the female then carries the eggs under her swimming legs, from which fully developed baby crabs hatch. These remain with the mother for some time before venturing into open water and feeding on their own. They molt quite frequently at a young age. The adults do this as well. Leave the skins in the pond, they are readily eaten by the crayfish!

If noble crayfish are introduced into a fish pond, overpopulation is not likely, as their population is kept in check by natural predators. The crustaceans exhibit a beautiful, uniform brown coloration. However, the shade of brown can vary from a reddish brown to a more bluish brown. A distinctive grain can be seen on the upper surfaces of the large claws. Populations in the wild have dwindled significantly over the last few decades.

In specialized trade noble crayfish can be acquired, which represent an enrichment for the domestic pond. Nevertheless, care should be taken that the animals do not leave the pond.

An ideal pond inhabitant

Noble crayfish feel very comfortable in the garden pond all year round, provided that it is at least one meter deep and thus never completely freezes through. Ice freezers and pond thermostats are a good way to prevent this. They are also suitable for swimming ponds, as the animals are rather nocturnal and thus do not disturb bathing in any way. They can also be used without hesitation in lavishly planted garden ponds, as the crayfish prefer algae and dead plant remains as food. The pond dwellers can be cleverly used as foliage destroyers, keeping the pond clean in a biological way.

The delivery includes 1 pregnant female noble crayfish. After a short time she will release her offspring in the pond. Accustom the expectant mother just as gently as your fish to the pond water. Spoil her with our crayfish food- order it directly with!

Size:  6-9 cm

Our food recommendation: Freshwater crayfish have a very varied diet in the wild. The Natureholic Crayfish Feed Sticks contain in a biologically balanced form only those ingredients that these crayfish in this or similar form to their natural food spectrum. This naturally supports and promotes moulting, growth and reproduction. Due to their protein content they are ideally suited for omnivorous crayfish of the genera Procambarus, Cambarus, Cambarellus, Astacus and the Cherax crayfish from Australia, which are basically omnivores that like to eat animal as well as vegetable food. The crayfish of the genus Cherax from Papua also like to eat a portion of animal food when they are young, but later they switch mainly to plant food.

Our plant recommendation: Use the following for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.