Freshwater Crayfish

Shop crayfish for sale at Splashy Fish Store, including live freshwater crayfish such as the Electric Blue Crayfish and the White Crayfish. Aquarium crayfish (also called crawfish or freshwater lobsters) are bold, active invertebrates that dig, explore, and rearrange their tanks. They are hardy and fun to watch, but they are predators that need the right tank and the right tank mates. This page covers adult size, setup, compatibility, and shipping limits so you can choose with confidence.

Crayfish We Carry

Availability changes often, so check each product page for current stock and pricing.

• Electric Blue Crayfish (Procambarus alleni): a vivid blue, full-size crayfish that usually reaches about 4 to 5 inches. Needs a 30 gallon tank. Care guide: Ultimate Care Guide for Electric Blue Crayfish.
• White Crayfish (White Specter or Vanilla Crayfish): a selectively bred white crayfish, sold at about 1.75 to 2.25 inches, that grows into a full-size adult and needs the same 30 gallon setup.
• Orange Crayfish (Cambarellus patzcuarensis 'Orange'): an orange dwarf crayfish that stays around 1.5 to 2 inches. Dwarf crayfish are gentler and fit smaller tanks. See all dwarf crayfish and freshwater lobsters.

Adult Size, Tank Size and Setup

• Adult size: full-size aquarium crayfish usually reach about 4 to 5 inches. Dwarf crayfish stay around 1.5 to 2 inches.
• Tank size: plan on 30 gallons for one full-size crayfish. A wide tank with lots of floor space is better than a tall one.
• Escape-proof lid: crayfish climb filter tubes and cords and can walk out of an open tank. Use a tight lid and cover every gap.
• Hiding spots: give each crayfish at least one cave, rock pile, or pipe, and add more if you keep more than one.
• Water: the Electric Blue and White Crayfish do well at about 65 to 76°F, pH 6.5 to 7.5, and KH 6 to 15 dKH, with strong filtration and regular water changes.
• Plants: crayfish often uproot and eat soft plants. Tough plants and driftwood hold up best.

For step-by-step setup, read How to Set Up A Freshwater Crayfish Tank.

Tank Compatibility and Molting

Full-size crayfish are opportunistic predators. They will catch and eat shrimp, snails, and slow or bottom-dwelling fish such as Corydoras, and they can injure long-finned fish. A species-only tank is the safest choice. If you want tank mates, choose fast, mid-to-top swimming fish in a larger tank and watch closely. See Top 7 Best Tank Mates for Your Crayfish Tank for ideas.

Crayfish molt to grow. Young crayfish molt often and adults less often. A freshly molted crayfish is soft, hides, and can look pale for up to about two weeks, which is normal. Leave the old shell in the tank so it can eat it for calcium, and keep other crayfish and large fish away during this time.

Shipping Limits and State Regulations

Live crayfish are regulated in some U.S. states. Some states restrict or prohibit the import or possession of certain crayfish species, including some Procambarus species, and some limit non-native crayfish in general. We can't ship crayfish to locations where they are restricted, so please check your state and local regulations before ordering. Never release crayfish or any aquarium animal into the wild.

Shipping and Live Arrival

Every order from Splashy Fish Store is quarantined before it is listed, packed carefully for the trip, and shipped live within the USA from our Virginia-based fish store, backed by our live-arrival guarantee.

Also shop freshwater crabs for sale, freshwater shrimp, and freshwater fish for sale.

Freshwater Crayfish FAQs

How big do aquarium crayfish get?

Full-size aquarium crayfish such as the Electric Blue Crayfish usually reach about 4 to 5 inches long as adults, and most reach adult size within about a year. Dwarf crayfish such as the Orange CPO stay much smaller, at about 1.5 to 2 inches.

What size tank does a crayfish need?

Plan on a 30 gallon tank for one full-size crayfish such as the Electric Blue or White Crayfish, with a sand or fine gravel bottom, caves, and a tight, escape-proof lid. Dwarf crayfish can live in much smaller tanks.

Can crayfish live with fish or shrimp?

Full-size crayfish are opportunistic predators. They will catch and eat shrimp, snails, and slow or bottom-dwelling fish, and they can injure long-finned fish. If you add tank mates, choose fast, mid-to-top swimming fish in a large tank and accept some risk. Species-only tanks are the safest choice.

How many crayfish can live together?

Crayfish are territorial, so one full-size crayfish per tank is the safest plan. Keeping more than one needs a much larger tank with several hiding spots per crayfish, and freshly molted crayfish are at risk of being attacked.

Why is my crayfish hiding or a different color after it arrives?

Crayfish sometimes molt during or right after shipping. A freshly molted crayfish hides more and can look pale or off-color for a while. This is normal, and color usually returns within about two weeks. Leave the old shell in the tank so it can eat it for minerals.

Can you ship live crayfish to my state?

Some U.S. states restrict or prohibit the import or possession of live crayfish, including certain Procambarus species. We can't ship crayfish to locations where they are restricted, so please check your state and local regulations before ordering. Never release crayfish into the wild.