What Vegetables Do Crayfish Eat?

Crayfish are small arthropods that resemble mini lobsters. They live in many different aquatic locations including streams, ponds, swamps and marshes. They are a popular delicacy in some areas and also make great pets. If you are planning on raising crayfish, it is important that you feed them properly. Crayfish are voracious eaters and consume many foods including vegetables. Crayfish in captivity are often fed a slightly different diet from what they eat in the wild; but as long as their nutritional requirements are met, this will not harm them. Their feeding behavior varies as they age and grow.

  1. Diet of WIld Crayfish

    • Crayfish tend to live under rocks and emerge at night to feed on any food source they can find. Crayfish are omnivorous and will eat other fish and crayfish whether they are live or dead, vegetables, and aquatic plants. The bulk of the vegetables they consume in the wild are aquatic plants.

    Vegetables You Can Feed Your Crayfish

    • Crayfish that are being kept in captivity are often fed a variety of vegetables. These include frozen peas, zucchini and carrots. They will even eat plants such as java moss. Crayfish will also try to eat other fish that are kept in the tank with them. For this reason. it is best to keep them in a tank separate from other fish.

    Nutritional Requirements

    • Adult crayfish do not need much protein and all crayfish do not require much, if any, fat. Therefore, crayfish can have all their requirements met with vegetables and a small amount of protein in the form of either fish, shellfish or meat.

    Aging and Feeding Behavior

    • Young crayfish are usually more aggressive feeders, eating aquatic insects and animals. Compared to young crayfish, adult crayfish are more active at night and during cloudy water conditions, and consume more vegetation. Both young and old crayfish will hide beneath rocks during the day if they can, waiting for nightfall before they emerge to feed. They use their antennae to taste and feel food.