Breeding the red claw crayfish
The male places a spermatophore on the female; she attaches the fertilised eggs to her swimmerets and broods them for 6-10 weeks depending on temperature. Young hatch as miniature crayfish, stay attached for a few weeks and leave the mother 1-2 weeks after hatching. Breeds only above 23 °C; 3-5 broods per season.
Step by step
One male and 2 females in a large tank with hides.
Large tank with caves and sand; separate female when berried.
Seasonal temperature changes and good feeding.
300-800 eggs per brood (up to about 1,000), brooded 6-10 weeks.
Juveniles are tiny crayfish; feed meaty foods and keep separate to prevent cannibalism.
- Mixing males
- Too little cover
- Poor water quality
Male or female
Adult males have a bright red patch on the outer edge of the claws; females are smaller. Juveniles can be sexed by gonopore position: at the 5th walking legs in males and 3rd in females.
Can I breed it in my tank?
- Good for a first breeding project.
Day-by-day plan
Typical for shrimp
- Day 0Berried female
Eggs are carried under the tail. Keep the water stable and don't move her.
- Day 21Hatching
After about 2–4 weeks tiny shrimp hatch. They graze on biofilm and moss.
- Day 30Growing
Keep a sponge on the filter intake. Feed powdered shrimp food a little at a time.
- Day 90Adults
They can breed themselves at about 3 months.
A general guide for this breeding type. Days change with temperature and species.
Simulator: guided
Eggs are carried under the tail. Keep the water stable and don't move her.
Simulator: try it yourself
Set up a virtual breeding tank and see what would likely happen.
- A female became berried.
An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.