bbfeckawitts

I found a crayfish at a stream. It has been in a small tank for several (5) days. If I let it loose in my main 35 gal tank (silver dollars, cories, tetras, platies, ghost cat.), how much havoc would it wreak? Thanks

Fish Addict

I think it depends. How big are all of your fish? Also, do you have live plants? I have heard that they can shred 'em.

Lucy

I'm pretty sure your crayfish will eat your fish.

Shawnie

Not only that, but you will be bringing in other germs, parasites, and other things that might infest the tank

sirdarksol

Aquarium fish are not accustomed to the bacteria and viruses out in the wild, and so can die from a relatively simple illness introduced via a previously wild tankmate.

And yes, it will likely attack your fish. They can be pretty dangerous.

It's also technically illegal to keep wild animals in most states (though I doubt it's a law that's often enforced with regards to crayfish).
This same law may get you in trouble if you are caught returning the fish. The idea is to keep people from transferring livestock from lake to lake (invasive species and all), but it sometimes nails a person who is bringing a creature back to its original home. Again, not likely to be used in this case, but it's better to know what laws you're looking at.

rubberneck

the main problem is the crayfish nipping fish fins -- ive never had a problem with the supposed countless illnesses that seem to lurk in the wild , ive had nothing but good experiences in the last 30 yrs putting wild fish into my aquariums ---- try him out---

Shawnie

this thread is almost 2 months old im sure he either tried it or gave up