Crustacean Australian Cancer: Description, Growth, Content and Reproduction

Many fans of aquatic exotics would like to have their waters inhabited not only by fish, but also by Australian red-bellied crayfish. These are not very large underwater inhabitants, which can surprise with their unusual coloration. But before deciding on such an acquisition, some seek to learn everything about cancers. Red-rosa blue cancer has its own characteristics of maintenance and care, they will be discussed in this article.

Habitats in nature

This bright underwater inhabitant is also named Yabby the Red Claw. It can be found in standing water in Australia and New Guinea. Since it is a freshwater inhabitant, it settles in ponds, quiet, shallow rivers, and sometimes it is found in puddles. Some claim to have noticed this "traveler" in flowing waters, but in fact he chooses only small streams and other such places with minimal current. Given these unpretentious qualities of cancer, it is suitable for inexperienced aquarists.

External characteristics

The main color of Australian cancer is rich blue, and yellow yellow "freckles" are scattered throughout the shell. The color of connections between segments can be not only blue, but also red, orange, pink. However, the richness of the shades will depend on the hardness of the water in which Australian cancer lives. To get a bright color, it is better to keep it in hard water. If it is soft in composition, the cancer will turn brown, although the blue tide will remain noticeable.

In nature, they can grow up to 20 cm, and their weight sometimes reaches 500 g. But at home, the crabs do not reach this size a little. Females grow even smaller. In addition, males from the outer side of the claw grow a flat "claw", often red, but can be lighter.

Character of the pet

Despite its large size, one of the most peace-loving is considered to be red-bellied Australian cancer. The description of this creature has shown that its staining is affected by the rigidity of water. But this circumstance also affects the aggressiveness of cancer. A more rigid environment can make it more hostile.

Despite this, the Australian cancer is capable of peaceful coexistence with fish, and with those who are larger than it, it even lives in one shelter. But with their brethren they often do not get along, and sometimes engage in cannibalism, eating young. Too aggressive individuals can hunt small fish. In addition, if there are too many males in the aquarium, during the molt active crayfish will eat their "rivals".

These inhabitants can be referred to night animals, and they spend the day half asleep. In light of day, they can appear to have a snack or if they are going to shed (for this they need free space). But if the cancer has not crawled out for these purposes, it may be a signal that there is something wrong in your pond.

Australian crayfish are creative creatures that can arrange aquarium decorations in their own way. They also use their claws to dig in the mud and make a new pit, which will become their refuge.

Australian Red Crayfish: content in the aquarium

It is much easier to take care of this kind of crayfish than for its fellow humans. In order for your pet to be calm and not nervous, he needs a 200-liter aquarium. Also it is worth remembering that for one pair it takes space for 150 liters. Contain them better in hard water, although they can live in a softer.

The aquarium must be decorated with bright things, it can be motley pebbles or artificial flowers. They are necessary for the division of the territory. In addition, the crayfish should be in the territory of many possible hiding places, otherwise conflicts will begin between the brethren. All inhabitants like to have several houses in their domains. It can be mink, driftwood, they are very fond of pipes (ceramic), pots. It is worth noting that large stones do not interest them. Also, so that they can dig their pits, they need a sufficient soil layer.

A desirable condition for Australian blue cancer to feel comfort is the way out of the water. So they have the opportunity to warm up and breathe. But if you have other pets, such as cats, they should not have access to crayfish crawling out of the water.

In addition, there should be a space at the bottom where the cancer can be freely poured out by dropping its old shell. It should be noted that these pets live about five years.

Neighborhood in the aquarium

In the water it is desirable to run small fish. Besides the diversity of your fauna, there is another reason. After cancer, there is a lot of waste that settles in the water. Over time, these residues can cause bacterial outbreaks. But, for example, a guppy fish or a corridor can cleanse them behind crayfish. This neighborhood can bring inconvenience only to the fish, because they are unable to control themselves to overeat. Or they can be scratched by crabs for stealing their food.

On the other hand, if the guppies die from overeating, Australian cancer will become a medic. So, for the neighborhood it is better to purchase a small fish, which multiplies rapidly. Large fish can eat small crustaceans. Snails and shrimps in one aquarium with crayfish should not be planted.

Vegetation in an aquarium

Australian crayfish like vegetation, so all that they can get, they eat. But you can decorate your home pond with plants that keep on the surface. For a constant supply of greens, it is better to have a donor aquarium.

Of all the plants, the longest is the clififlora. Also quickly spreads duckweed, so that crabs do not have time to eat it. In addition, on a proven pond in summer, you can store a thread. Young crustaceans like to swarm in this plant, gradually eating it. But, bringing a lint from the pond, be careful not to infect the aquarium.

To cleanliness of water this kind of crayfish is not too exacting.

Water temperature

Although temperature fluctuations are tolerated by Australian cancer, it is better to keep it below 18 ° C: if the degree is lowered, the pet may die from hypothermia. The most comfortable temperature will be in the range of 20-26 ° C. If summer heat comes, the cancer can withstand 30 ° C, but in this case there must be enough oxygen in the water.

Crayfish feeding

Young crayfish are not too demanding on food, but they are not permanent in choosing a menu. Despite the fact that, by nature, they are vegetarians, these creatures are not averse to trying a frog, small fish, snails. But the diet for your pet should be made, given its menu in natural conditions. Usually they have an oak or beech tree every day. This "dish" for Australian crayfish is considered a delicious delicacy. In addition, foliage is a real antiseptic, without which the health and immunity of cancer will go down. If the diet will be missing leaves, your pet will become prone to disease.

But besides this, the favorite menu can be diluted with frozen food, peas, earthworms, various vegetables, snails, fodder for fish (with mineral supplements and calcium).

It is better if there is a place in the aquarium where you can put the fallen leaf, hay, spilled tea and other plant residues. Although these components are not eaten up so quickly, the crayfish will be strong and healthy.

What to feed is not worth it

Despite the fact that Australian crayfish can eat everything, there are products that they better not offer. Crayfish poorly eat banana peel, grated raw beetroot, carrots, potatoes. In addition, they spoil the water. Apples do not eat crayfish at all. However, there are products that are eaten perfectly, but at the same time they spoil the condition of the water. These include: boiled egg, cottage cheese, bread, raw meat or minced meat. The last two products can be thrown away a little. Bread should be given rationally if there are fish in the aquarium.

Sexual signs

To breed Australian red-bellied cancer was successful, it is important to learn to identify males, ready for reproduction. Usually this is indicated by a flat protrusion on the claw. This is a red outgrowth (the intensity of the color depends on the hardness of the water). This protrusion is formed not from birth, but only after the cancer becomes sexually mature. At the moment when the male is ready for copulation, his protrusion will become more saturated tone, which will differ from his usual color.

The female can be identified by its neat claws. Also the size of the female is slightly inferior to the male.

Crayfish breeding

Just like the maintenance, reproduction and cultivation of Australian cancers - this is not as laborious a process as it may seem. An important condition is an aquarium of the required size.

To stimulate the desire of males and females to mate games, it is better to move them for a week to different aquariums. Seven days later, the couple is united, and the "lovers" have several times increased sexual activity.

At the end of mating, the female under the abdomen lays eggs. She bore caviar, and then larvae from 8 to 9 weeks. The duration of this period depends on the water temperature. At the end of the gestation, about a hundred crustaceans appear in the aquarium.

It is necessary to plant young animals in other tanks. But in order to preserve the offspring, many shelters should be provided in the aquarium for the crustaceans. By the way, after the youngsters were resettled, it should be closely monitored. They grow fast enough, and you should be able to plant them in size.

These crayfish molt not simultaneously, therefore from one female there can be both large and small individuals. This phenomenon is natural, and gradually their size is leveled. But until this happens, large and small crustaceans are important to settle in different aquariums.