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Name: Patrici
Status: educator
Age: 40s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2001281
Question:
Last night we observed our crayfish mating. The crayfish came from a local creek. Is it possible for this mating in captivity to produce eggs/offspring? If so, what water/habitat conditions do we need to provide? Kids are opposed to release. Thanks.

Replies:
Crayfish eggs are carried by the female from 2 to 20 weeks depending on water temperature. After the young hatch they remain attached to the female through 3 instars, which may be from 6 to 20 days. There is no reason this can't occur in your aquarium as long as conditions remain favorable overall - clean water, gravel bottom, and food. No special requirements should be needed. Crayfish will eat each other however, so once they leave the female they should be removed and released if possible, certainly separated, as larger young will eat the smaller ones.

J. Elliott

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