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How to Make a Crayfish Habitat for a Project

Crayfish are crustaceans that reside primarily in freshwater lakes and rivers but are also capable of surviving on dry land for extended periods of time. The ability of these animals to molt, or shed their skin, has made them ideal subjects for study. These animals may also be bred for bait during fishing expeditions or for food. Consequently, it is important to build a habitat where crayfish can survive no matter what the overall goal of the project is. You can build a suitable habitat for crayfish using affordable materials from craft stores and the surrounding natural environment.

Things You'll Need

Display tank aquarium
Sand
Water
Rocks
Aquatic vegetation

Instructions

- 1
  Procure a display tank aquarium for crayfish observation. To prevent the spreading of disease, tainting of the water and overcrowding, an aquarium should contain only one crayfish for every 10 gallons the tank holds.
- 2
  Crayfish are reclusive animals that become anxious and stressed when in open water unless they are feeding. Fill the aquarium with enough sand to allow the crayfish to burrow its entire body to reduce its stress level; sand also provides the crayfish better traction and aids in the sanitizing of the aquarium. The amount of sand required varies; the depth should be proportional to the length of the crayfish's body.
- 3
  Arrange rocks, sticks or even scrap pieces of plastic piping in a manner that allows the crayfish to hide to further enhance the animal's feeling of security.
- 4
  Fill the tank with water because crayfish can only survive for several hours without it. You may include dry areas in the tank setup, but there should be enough water for the crayfish to fully submerge itself. Alternatively, the entire tank may be filled with water because crayfish are aquatic animals.
- 5
  Introduce aquatic vegetation such as Java moss and Hornwort into the tank so the crayfish can feed.

Animals & Science