I now have 2 crayfish. They don't chase or anything, but if one gets to close they'll snap at each other. I really wanted more, but if they hate each other that much then I'm sure it's not a very good idea. But I just want to know why 2 crayfish can't get along, but about 20-30 in an over-stocked petstore tank do? Makes no sense..lmao.
Unless all 30 just don't feel like having a big smack-down melee.
2007-03-21 01:46:47 · 5 answers · asked by Mizzy 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
You'll find the same thing with any territorial livestock that the fish store carries. The reason is that they stuff so many fish into such a small area that it's impossible for any fish to claim a territory, and so it's a non-issue. In your tank you have space for the creature to establish a spot, and decoration by which they can judge where their spot is, and so they will defend this territory as their instincts are inclined.
2007-03-21 02:07:06 · answer #1 · answered by Ghapy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your tank may be too small or you may have two males or both. Typically females get along fine. The males tend to be quite territorial and will fight with each other. Sometimes they even lose claws in the battles. It is rarely fatal.
Crayfish generally don't like to be in close proximity with each other unless it is mating season. Oh, and be sure you have a tight fitting lid on your tank, crayfish are escape artists and will climb right out of a tank and end up on the floor if there is the least little opening for them to wiggle out of. I lost a beautiful red crayfish that way before I found out they can actually crawl up the airline to the filter and out of the water and tank.
I keep several species of freshwater shrimp and only the very small species will stay close to each other and that is usually when they are eating. The larger varieties tend to avoid each other. Mostly, crustaceans are solitary creatures, not social.
The only ones I have found that will stay close to each other are the species without claws such as the filter feeders like wood shrimp. They have small fan-like appendages that they use to collect small bits of food from the water as it flows by them. They cannot do damage to other shrimp or fish, but are easily damaged by even curious fish.
2007-03-21 11:30:57 · answer #2 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I asked this same question at my local pet store a few days ago. I go in there frequently for pet food, etc. The owner told me that the fish are shipped to them in a sedated state. She said that it takes them a day or two to become fully alert. It allows the fish to be shipped, and also to acclimate to their tanks better.
The tanks in the pet stores usually don't have much in the way of decorative items, plants, etc. This allows them to not claim any specific territory. She said that they sell them so quickly, that they don't have to worry about the fish starting to become aggressive with each other.
It is always so disappointing to see a fish doing perfectly find in the store, and then it starts picking on your other fish once it gets home.
2007-03-21 09:31:32 · answer #3 · answered by Sarah F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually fish and inverts are so stressed from the store stocking that they don't fight. How do they get 30 oscars or 30 sunfish to get along? Same deal.
2007-03-21 08:51:55 · answer #4 · answered by bzzflygirl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Moved into a new home, they may feel stressed and anxious. Anxious animals tend to be combative. They are probably staking out their territory.
2007-03-21 08:55:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋