Australian crayfish Yabby in an aquarium: description, photo, character and maintenance

Aquarium enthusiasts are starting to favor Australian Yabby crayfish more and more because of their unusual appearance and intriguing behavior. These crayfish give a lively touch to any aquarium setup because of their eye-catching blue or brown colors.

Although it presents a unique set of difficulties, keeping Yabbies in an aquarium can be both fascinating and rewarding. They are fascinating to watch because of their inquisitive and occasionally possessive nature, but selecting tank mates needs careful thought.

Everything you need to know about taking care of Australian Yabby crayfish in an aquarium will be covered in this article, from comprehending their behavior and habitat requirements to making sure

Description

This crustacean is freshwater and a member of the decapod family. Despite its impressive size, the Yabby managed to become a favorite among pest aquarists despite this. This is primarily because of the crayfish’s amazing coloring. Indeed, having an ultramarine-colored animal in the aquarium will make it much more visually appealing. Furthermore, in contrast to its relatives, the behavior of the "destroyer" is different.

Owners of aquariums who were forced to keep these crustaceans are certain that their animals can express emotions. For example, Yabby can express happiness or displeasure when the decorations in the tank are changed. The crab will undoubtedly move any branches or pebbles that it determines shouldn’t be there to another location.

Kindly take note! Due to its solitary lifestyle, Australian yabby crayfish are almost always found in holes. It is only displayed when feeding.

The Australian Yabby crayfish, distinguished by its eye-catching blue hue and lively, inquisitive disposition, is a resilient and colorful addition to any aquarium. Even though they are not too difficult to care for, they still need enough room, hiding places, and a healthy diet in order to thrive. Tank mates should be carefully chosen because these crayfish can be territorial. Yabby crayfish can be a fascinating and eye-catching feature in your aquarium with the correct setup and maintenance.

What it looks like

The abdomen and cephalothorax make up Yabby’s two main body parts, just like those of other crustaceans. The first is made up of multiple independent parts and is fairly flexible. The abdomen ends with a tail fin made up of multiple broad plates, and the swimming pair of legs is situated at the bottom. A thick layer of chitin covers the cephalothorax. Yabby’s front portion houses his sensory organs. Walking legs, the first pair of which are powerful claws, are located in the lower region of the cephalothorax.

Although yakby cancer can grow up to 30 cm in size, this is only applicable to adults. It still looks very impressive. The "destroyer" may have a different color. The habitat of the animal determines this. However, when it comes to keeping aquariums, the majority of aquarium owners raise blue yabbies.

Where it lives

It is clear from the name which region the Yabby cancer inhabits. Australia, or more specifically its eastern and southern regions, is the crustacean’s native habitat. "Destroyers" typically inhabit the swamps and reservoirs found in some Australian states.

Be aware that in the wild, crayfish are typically found in small, still bodies of water and peaceful backwaters.

Features of maintenance

Since the behavior of a yabby crayfish in an aquarium is identical to that of its natural habitat, the following types of decorative elements work best in aquariums:

  • parts of products made of ceramics ;
  • fragments of clay or porcelain products;
  • natural elements, such as driftwood;
  • small stones.

It is advised to put oak or almond leaves in the aquarium where the crayfish are kept. It is highly desirable to have them around. After adding, the leaves will eventually grow flora, which is ideal for crabs to eat. Furthermore, the aquarium’s environment will become much more like the natural world with the presence of such microflora. This will consequently improve the crayfish’s state of health.

Nutrition

Yabby is an omnivore, just like the majority of crayfish. It consumes nearly all organic remnants that wind up on the bottom of the aquarium, including caviar, dead fish, larvae, and plant remains. As a result, taking care of Yabby is simple. Alternatively, live food such as brine shrimp or bloodworms is frequently used by aquarists. However, experts advise utilizing Tetra Crusta dry food. This will prevent parasites from growing and give the crustacean a balanced diet.

Crustaceans will receive all the nutrients and vitamins they need to boost their immune systems when dry food is used. Using dry food will also stop the aquarium’s water from getting contaminated. Additionally, crayfish can benefit from specialized tablets meant for bottom fish that sink to the bottom of the aquarium.

Reproduction

When they are young, it can be challenging to tell a female from a male, but as they get older, a difference becomes apparent. This is the size to start. Females have an abdomen and a tail fin, while males have larger claws. There are tiny spikes on the male crayfish’s body as well, specifically near the base of the walking legs. If you turn the crayfish over, you can see these growths.

One aquarium needs to contain multiple female crayfish and one male crayfish for proper development. Yabby starts pursuing the female he likes before mating in an attempt to get her to procreate. Australian crustaceans are known for their peculiar ritualistic behavior. The male contributes to the continuation of the genus by climbing on top of the female and holding her by the claws while the female lies belly up during mating.

The female has eggs after a few weeks. Pleopods are attached to it. Using her tail fin, the female gently presses the eggs against her abdomen. She is compelled to hide in the shelter during this time, away from outsiders. Pleopods are a tool used by the female to guarantee that future offspring have access to adequate oxygen. After a while, they emerge as larvae from eggs; at first, they are affixed to the female’s walking legs, but eventually, they break free and start to investigate the aquarium.

Be mindful! The larvae instantly return to their mother to seek protection at the first sign of danger.

Feature Description
Appearance Yabby crayfish have a blue or greenish-blue color with a hard shell and long pincers. They can grow up to 8 inches in length.
Temperament Yabby crayfish are known to be aggressive and territorial, especially towards other crayfish. They may attack tank mates if space is limited.
Tank Requirements A 30-gallon tank or larger is recommended with plenty of hiding spots. Ensure the water is clean and well-filtered.

It can be satisfying to maintain an Australian Yabby crayfish in your aquarium. These animals bring a special touch to any aquatic setting with their vivid blue color and distinctive behavior.

But it’s crucial to keep in mind that yabbies are not your typical aquarium inhabitants. It takes careful planning to make sure they get along with other tank mates because they are inquisitive, energetic, and occasionally territorial. Ensuring appropriate habitat and diet

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Elena Grishina

Ecologist and aquarist with a special interest in creating balanced ecosystems in aquariums. Main focus — ecosystems that require minimal human intervention. I support a natural approach to aquarium care, where each element plays its role, helping to maintain harmony in a closed ecosystem. I promote sustainable aquarium keeping and respect for nature.

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