Small Crustaceans for Small Aquariums?

Question

Already have ghost shrimp in 1 with a Betta. Looking for something different for another 2.5 gallon with Betta. I really would like to go with crustaceans, but need something that will stay small. Are there minature crawfish (that stay smaller than, let's say 1.5" ?

Answer 1

There are two dwarf varieties that I know of, but good luck finding them. This link lists both, so maybe if you contact one of your local stores, they could track down a supplier for you: http://www.shrimpcrabsandcrayfish.co.uk/Shrimp.htm?Shrimpfr.htm~mainFrame

There are quite a few nice shrimp as well in the above link, as well as this one: http://www.petshrimp.com/shrimpspecies.html

Just stay away from any shrimp thay's a "longarm" - these will be predators.


NOTE: Fiddler crabs and Red-clawed (Thai) crabs need brackish water and a place they can get completely out of the water to be kept properly.

Answer 2

I do not know if there are crawfish that stay that small, I think most get atleast a couple of inches in length eventually. I do know that there are small crabs that you can get for your tank. They go by various names in pet stores (mini crab is a common name they are given), but for the most part they would stay rather small. They do need to be able to get out of the water at times (use a floating packing peanut on top of the water and have something they can crawl up on to get to it) and they have a knack for climbing out of the tank completely if not secured.
I do not know if they would try to grab onto your beta, I have never really seen them kept with one so you would have to check on that. If your beta is an active swimmer it would probably be a bit safer as crabs arent that quick.

There are also different kinds of freshwater shrimp than ghost shrimp. You would have to ask your pet store if they have them hidden somewhere or if they could get them.

Hope that helps some.

Answer 3

They have little crabs. Don't see em too often at our little pet store but the big pet store which caters to fish usually has em.
Thye look like fiddler crabs but real small, size of a dime.

I never though of putting ghost shrimp in with bettas.. what a great idea!!