Species profile

Blue Crayfish

Procambarus alleni

Common names: Blue Crayfish, Electric Blue Crayfish, Florida Blue Crayfish

Recognized speciesCrayfish

Adult size

Up to 15 cm

Typical adult length 10–15 cm.

Up to 15 cm

Countries of origin

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

Mature planted aquarium setups
Advanced shrimp keepers
Breeding colonies

Think carefully if

The aquarium contains shrimp-eating fish
The tank is newly cycled
Water conditions change frequently

A robust Florida crayfish commonly sold in vivid blue captive colour forms and requiring a secure, spacious aquarium.

Appearance and Identification

Wild individuals are variable brown to blue-grey, while captive aquarium lines are often selected for bright electric-blue coloration.

Procambarus alleni is the Florida crayfish commonly sold as Blue or Electric Blue Crayfish. Blue colour alone is not enough to distinguish it from other blue crayfish species.

Mature males and females can be distinguished by the position of reproductive openings and abdominal appendages; colour is not a sex indicator.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter: About 300–380 litres an hour
Suggested heater: About 75–125 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume: 75 litres
Minimum tank length: 75 cm
Minimum group size: 1
Recommended group size: 1
Activity level: High
Flow preference: Moderate
Planting preference: Lightly planted
Hiding places: Yes
Lid recommended: Yes
Jumping risk: High

Provide a heavy escape-proof lid, multiple caves, stable hard water, protected equipment, and décor that cannot collapse when excavated.

Behaviour and Tankmates

Strong, opportunistic bottom-dweller that digs, rearranges décor, explores the aquarium, and may capture tankmates.

Usually safest kept singly. Cohabitation requires a very large enclosure and still carries injury and cannibalism risk.

Highly territorial around shelters, especially during and after moulting.

Best kept alone or in a carefully planned species aquarium. Fish, shrimp, snails, and other crayfish may be injured or eaten.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature: 20–26 °C
pH: 6.5–8
GH: 6–15
KH: 3–12
TDS: 150–350
Stability importance: Very important

Provide hard, well-buffered water, strong filtration, a secure cover, and shelters. Avoid soft acidic water and sudden mineral changes during moulting.

Parameter caveat

Check local rules before keeping or moving crayfish, and never release aquarium animals outdoors.

Feeding

Diet types: Omnivore, Predator, Scavenger
Feeding frequency: Daily
Preferred foods: Complete crayfish foodUse as the dietary base.
Vegetable and leaf materialSupports fibre intake and natural foraging.
Animal-based sinking foodOffer moderately rather than relying on high-protein feeding alone.

Opportunistic omnivore and predator. Feed a complete crustacean diet with plant material, sinking foods, and controlled animal protein.

Remove uneaten food and provide calcium-rich mineral availability for healthy moulting.

Breeding

Breeding type: Direct Developer, Egg Brooder
Breeding difficulty: Moderate
Breeding temperature: 24 °C
Breeding pH: 7.5
Brood or egg count: Dozens to several hundred eggs depending on female size
Incubation: 28 days
Parental care: Maternal care
Baby foods: Fine complete crayfish foodDistribute food broadly and provide dense shelter to reduce cannibalism.

Females carry eggs and newly hatched juveniles beneath the abdomen. Adults may eat juveniles unless they are separated and heavily sheltered.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin: Florida, United States
Natural habitat: Marsh, Pond, Slow River, Wetland
Aquarium contexts: Large Freshwater Aquarium, Species-Only Aquarium
Audience level: Advanced

Classification

Profile type: Recognized species
Genus: Procambarus
Family: Cambaridae
Species group: Crayfish

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