How to Care for Blue Lobsters

The blue lobster is a species of crayfish, often mistaken for a lobster. One defining difference between a crayfish and a lobster is the fact that lobsters have one large claw and one small claw, while the crayfish's claws are the same size. Blue crayfish will grow to be six to seven inches in length. The semi-aggressive blue crayfish eats both plants and animals are a hardy animal, living up to 20 years with proper care and diet. The blue crayfish does well in freshwater aquariums as long as its tank mates are carefully monitored.

Things You'll Need

  • Large aquarium
  • Freshwater aquarium salt
  • Power head
  • Powerful bio filter
  • Aerator
  • Live plants
  • Rockscape
  • Ceramic pots
  • Sand
  • Fine gravel
  • Sinking food pellets
  • Fresh vegetables
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide an environment similar to that of the blue crayfish's natural habit. This would be a sandy or fine-gravel bottom with plenty of live plants. Live plants provide hiding and the soft bottom allows the crayfish to burrow. Provide several hiding spaces, such as caves built with rockscape or ceramic pots with three holes for entry and escape. The blue crayfish can move both forward and backward, therefore easy entry and exit should be made available.

    • 2

      Invest in a power head, aerators and high power bio filter. The combination of the power head and aerators increase oxygen and water flow in the aquarium. The blue crayfish requires a steady water flow and high oxygen in the environment. The bio filter keeps the tank clean, as crayfish require clean, clear water.

    • 3

      Maintain a tank temperature of 72 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit with a pH value of 7.0. Add small amounts of freshwater aquarium salt to maintain soft water. The blue crayfish tends to be sluggish in hard water and does better in a soft-water aquarium.

    • 4

      Keep the blue crayfish well fed. A hungry crayfish will nip at the fins of tank mates and may catch small fish if hungry. Keep plenty of live plants in the aquarium as a food source. Feed bottom feeder pellets, such as catfish sinking pellets. Fresh vegetables, such as zucchini, romaine lettuce and watercress, can be fed to the animal. Feeding the crayfish two times a day is sufficient enough to keep it satisfied.