Sapphire Crayfish (Procambarus Clarkii “Sapphire”), BREDBY: Aquatic Arts

 Due to state restrictions on invasive species, we are not able to ship or sell any color morph of the Procambarus clarkii crayfish to the following states: Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

This species is prohibited to own in the above states, meaning it is illegal to possess them live in these states. This includes possession for consumption, education, aquarium trade, or any other live trade.

 

The Sapphire Crayfish is a very uncommon, dark blue color morph of its species. We are very proud to offer juvenile specimens that were bred here in house at Aquatic Arts!

The Sapphire Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii “Sapphire”) is a rarely-seen color morph that is a much darker blue than the popular Electric Blue Crayfish. This coloration can even include deep black and green hues as well. It even sometimes has some red-pink coloration, especially on its appendages. This variant is yet another exceptional color morph for a species that seems to have endless color possibilities!

Though most crayfish are often reclusive by nature, this particular crayfish is very active by comparison and spends plenty of time exploring the floor of the aquarium in search of food. The Sapphire Crayfish is an omnivorous scavenger and will eat most any meaty or plant-based foods. This crayfish should not be kept with most ornamental live plants, as it will eat them at a surprising rate. Some more rigid plants (such as Coral Moss) that are difficult to eat, however, can sometimes be kept with this crayfish. It is a skilled climber, so extra care must be taken to ensure that it does not escape its enclosure.

As it reaches adulthood, the Sapphire Crayfish will become relatively territorial, so it may behave aggressively towards other animals in the tank. It is important that ample hiding places such as rockwork, driftwood, or PVC pipes be provided. This is even more crucial when housing multiple crayfish in the same tank. Due to the size and waste production of this crayfish, a minimum 30-gallon, well-filtered aquarium is necessary for one adult. A larger aquarium can house multiple adults of similar size. This is a very hardy animal, but regular water changes are vital to its optimal health. Other bottom-dwelling invertebrates and fish should not be kept with large crayfish. It is possible to keep mid- and upper-level, fast-swimming fish with the Sapphire Crayfish, but crayfish are opportunistic feeders and will generally eat whatever they can catch. 

What We Like About This Crayfish:

• Incredible dark blue coloration
• Much more active than many crayfish species
• Extremely hardy and adaptable
• Excellent scavenger
• Rare color morph of Procambarus clarkii

RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:

• Temperature: 65°- 76° F (18° – 24° C)
• pH: 6.5 – 7.5
• KH: 6 – 15 dKH
• Minimum tank size: 30 gallons

CARE GUIDELINES:

• Diet: Omnivorous. High-quality sinking pellets, plants, and freeze-dried or frozen meaty foods will be readily accepted. Cuttlebone should be added to the aquarium to supplement calcium, which will aid in exoskeleton production
• Social behavior: Can be aggressive/territorial. Crayfish will typically eat whatever they can catch, but since they are slow-moving, they are not often able to harm fast-moving fish
• Origin: Tank-bred, but indigenous to Southeastern United States
• Average adult size: 4 – 5 inches (10 – 12.7 cm) body length, minus claws
• Average purchase size: 1+ inches for adults
• Recommended Aquatic Arts tankmates: Fast-moving fish (such as Celestial Pearl Danios, Rasboras, Guppies, etc.). While dwarf shrimp can be kept successfully with these crayfish, caution should be exercised, as the crayfish have been known to catch and eat slow, sick, or particularly small shrimp. Cichlids can be aggressive toward crayfish and should not be kept in the same tank. Bottom-dwelling tankmates should definitely be avoided.

 

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