Hey there fellow aquarium enthusiasts! Today we’re diving deep into one of the most common questions I get asked – will crayfish eat shrimp? Let me give you the quick answer right away Yes crayfish will eat shrimp if given the chance. However, there’s way more to this story than a simple yes or no.
The Reality of Crayfish Dietary Habits
Crayfish are like the garbage disposals of the aquatic world – they’ll pretty much eat anything they can get their claws on! These opportunistic omnivores consume:
- Decaying plant matter
- Live and dead vegetation
- Small fish
- Insects
- Snails
- Other crustaceans (including their own kind!)
- Algae
In the wild, crayfish typically go for the easy meals – dead stuff that sinks to the bottom. But don’t let that fool you! These little opportunists won’t hesitate to grab a live shrimp if it swims too close.
Can Crayfish and Shrimp Live Together?
The answer isn’t black and white. While it’s possible to keep crayfish and shrimp together, success depends on several factors
1. Species Selection
Some crayfish species are more peaceful than others:
- Dwarf Orange Crayfish: Generally gentle and can coexist with shrimp
- Electric Blue Crayfish: More active but can work with faster shrimp species
- Red Swamp Crayfish: Highly aggressive – avoid keeping with shrimp!
2. Tank Setup
Your aquarium setup plays a huge role in successful cohabitation:
- Tank Size: Bigger is better! More space = more escape routes
- Hiding Spots: Lots of caves, plants, and decorations
- Plant Coverage: Dense vegetation provides safety for shrimp
- Bottom Space: Multiple levels help separate territories
Tips for Successful Cohabitation
If you’re determined to keep these crustaceans together, here’s what I’ve learned works best:
-
Choose the Right Shrimp
- Ghost shrimp are fast and relatively cheap
- Larger shrimp species have better survival chances
- Avoid expensive specialty shrimp unless you’re okay with losses
-
Feed Your Crayfish Well
- Well-fed crayfish are less likely to hunt
- Provide a varied diet including:
- Fish pellets
- Blanched vegetables
- Algae wafers
- Frozen foods
-
Create Safe Zones
- Use floating plants
- Add moss balls
- Install small caves
- Stack rocks with tiny gaps
The Risks and Reality Check
Let’s be real here – even with perfect setup, there’s always risk. I’ve seen plenty of cases where things seemed fine for weeks, then suddenly – snap! – a shrimp becomes crayfish dinner.
Some common scenarios:
- Nighttime hunting when shrimp are less active
- Molting periods when shrimp are vulnerable
- Territory disputes near feeding areas
- Stressed or hungry crayfish becoming more aggressive
Alternative Solutions
If you’re not feeling confident about the whole crayfish-shrimp combo, here are some alternatives:
-
Separate Tanks
- Safest option
- Allows both species to thrive
- No stress about losses
-
Different Tank Mates
- For Crayfish:
- Fast-swimming fish
- Larger bottom dwellers
- Snails (though they might become food too)
- For Shrimp:
- Small peaceful fish
- Other shrimp species
- Snails
- For Crayfish:
My Personal Experience
I’ve tried keeping various combinations over the years, and honestly, success rates vary wildly. The best luck I’ve had was with a big 55-gallon tank, tons of plants, and a smaller peaceful crayfish species. Even then, I lost a few shrimp here and there.
Final Thoughts
While it’s technically possible to keep crayfish and shrimp together, it requires careful planning, the right species selection, and a bit of luck. If you’re new to the hobby or working with limited space, I’d recommend starting with just one species first.
Remember, every tank is unique, and what works for one aquarist might not work for another. The key is observation, patience, and being ready to separate them if things don’t work out.
Have you tried keeping crayfish and shrimp together? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below! And if you’re still on the fence, maybe start with some ghost shrimp – they’re inexpensive and great for testing the waters (pun intended!).
Stay fishy, friends!
Need more aquarium advice? Check out our other guides on tank setup, water parameters, and compatible species combinations!
Crayfish and Their Instinct of Opportunistic Feeders
Crayfish are very opportunistic feeders and scavengers, eating anything from algae, detritus, animals, and plants, either living or decomposing.
Their diet is characterized by a wide diversity of food items. In captivity, they will eat almost anything that is available in the tank.
From a crayfish perspective, you are either predator or prey in the wild. So, if you hope that you can change this attitude by giving crayfish more food, you are wrong.
Sure, well-fed crayfish will be less aggressive but you cannot completely change this behavior because it is something that they will do instinctively. Therefore, do not be surprised when your crayfish will still try to catch any potential prey when given a chance.
Related article:
Crayfish and Their Instincts
I need to start off by saying that it is important to understand crayfish’s instincts. It can help us choose optimal tank mates to suit better their inborn, habitual behavior.
All crayfish species are opportunistic feeders. They are highly adaptive and will try to snack on whatever is available in the tank, and… there is nothing wrong with that! It is just the survival instinct asserting itself. That is what crayfish are programmed to do.
In addition, most crayfish species, despite their size, are quite aggressive and territorial in nature. Territorial conflicts often turn violent if somebody comes too close to them because crayfish are solitary animals and mostly interact even with each other only during mating.
| Therefore, while some crayfish species might be small and cute, they are still actually a pretty big threat in a community tank setting. Crayfish have a good reaction and also have a tendency to react defensively. |
As we can see, even though it can also vary by the individual, but you just need to understand that crayfish are aggressive in general. For example, even when crayfish are threatened by a bigger fish, instead of escaping, they may not hesitate to take chunks of fins. I assure you, their pincers can do some very serious damage!
Will Crayfish Eat my Other Fish?
FAQ
Can you put crawfish and shrimp together?
Add the andouille and corn to the pot. Cover and simmer an additional 15 minutes. Add the crawfish, cover again and cook 10 minutes. Add the shrimp and stir to combine.
Can I keep shrimp with dwarf crayfish?
Least crayfish (Cambarellus diminutus)
As such, it’s no surprise that these dwarf crays can be combined with shrimp just fine. They can be territorial towards their own species, but they will generally mind their own business and leave shrimp alone.
Can crayfish and cherry shrimp live together?
Fully grown, their size is between 3 and 6 cm (1.2 – 2.4 in.). It is not advisable to keep them together with shrimps, since shrimps may be considered a welcomed snack.
What should you not feed crayfish?
Avoid any and all food with copper in it, as this is highly poisonous for crayfish.
Do crayfish eat shrimp?
Crayfish are omnivorous scavengers that can consume both dead animal matter as well as living prey like minnows or frogs. As opportunistic predators they will also hunt small shrimp-like creatures called amphipods if available. Can Shrimp Be Kept With Crayfish? Yes, shrimp can be kept with crayfish as long as you take the necessary precautions.
Can shrimp be kept with crayfish?
Yes, shrimp can be kept with crayfish as long as you take the necessary precautions. The most important point to remember is that crayfish are predators and will eat anything they can catch – including shrimp.
What do crayfish eat?
Crayfish are omnivorous scavengers and feed on both plant matter as well as small animals like insects, snails, worms and other crustaceans. This includes shrimp. While they can be found grazing on aquatic plants in rivers or ponds during the day, at night they actively hunt for food such as small fish, tadpoles and even other crayfish.
Can crayfish eat shrimp pellets?
A combination of meaty foods and pellets ensures good round nutrition. Avoid overfeeding your crayfish. One or two shakes of shrimp pellets or a smattering of vegetables per day should be more than enough to keep your crayfish satisfied. Remove any uneaten portions of food soon after feeding your crayfish.
Do crayfish eat each other?
Crayfish of different species are more likely to try to kill each other. Provide your crayfish with the right conditions as it molts. Every few months, your crayfish will shed its outer shell to make room for a new one large enough to accommodate its growing body. You may be tempted to remove the old shell afterwards, but don’t.
Do crayfish eat algae?
Crayfish are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Algae is an important part of their diet, as it provides essential vitamins and minerals that crayfish need to stay healthy. Crayfish will happily munch on algae growing in freshwater tanks or streams which they inhabit.