What Type of Fish Can Live With a Crawfish?

Crawfish are a nocturnal, fresh-water anapsid of which there are roughly 150 species in North America. They can live two to three years and when fully grown can range from 2 inches to half a foot.

  1. Habits

    • Crawfish are omnivorous and highly territorial, so mixing them with other fish could be a difficult task. Though crawfish can be predators of other fish, nature can work both ways. Goldfish should not be kept with crawfish because not only will they make it impossible for crawfish to eat, they may also eat the crawfish. Because crawfish will eat anything, any kind of fish can lead to potential conflict.

    Fish Characteristics

    • Crawfish allow other fish to swim through their claws to catch them. Tthey may also climb to the water's surface and catch unsuspecting fish. Fish with smaller fins and those that are rapid swimmers are the best to cohabit with crawfish. These types of fish will be difficult for the crawfish to catch. Also, avoid fish that linger near the bottom of the tank, as the crawfish will attack them. Fish that feed at the surface of the water will fare better, as will fish with tough scales.

    Types of Fish

    • Tetras, cherry barbs, white cloud mountain minnows, halfbeak fish and various freshwater shark species (assuming they don't grow too large) would be compatible with your crawfish. Most types of catfish (because they are bottom feeders), any variety of corydoras, algae eaters (bristle nose, plecostomas), knife fish and blue and red tail botia wouldn't be a good idea.