Native European crayfish (Astacus astacus), photographed in Hungary
Interest in crayfish is increasing in recent years. They are sold in increasing numbers as for aquariums and garden pond and it is often told that they live of food that is left by other animals. They do, but they also eat: aquatic plants, snails, fish, tadpoles and all other inhabitants of aquaria and ponds. The names given by trade are often incorrect. Nearly all (large!) species are sold as 'dwarf crayfish', 'blue crayfish' of 'blue lobster' from time to time. Identification is not always straightforeward and new species regularly appear in trade. These 'new' species cannot always be identified, even by experts and the result is that there are numerous trade names like 'tiger crayfish' or 'blue lobster'. This page is meant to provide information on some of the species that are most often sold for aquaria and -sadly- also for garden ponds in Western Europe.
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