Mike’s Fish Tank – Aquarium Creatures

A lot of people are interested in other types of creatures besides fish for their aquarium. Here are a couple ideas.

The blue crawfish are found in Florida. They are the only native species of crawfish in the everglades. It is the lack of a gene that causes them to be blue. Also known as the Electric Blue Crayfish, Everglade Crayfish or Florida Crayfish. As far as feeding, pelleted fish food that settles to the bottom should be provided. Crayfish are omnivorous scavengers and will eat almost anything they can grab with their claws from small fish, to worms, to vegetation. Crayfish like to burrow and hide, so provide a cave or hiding rock.

Most shrimp are fine to keep with these guys because they are fast and stay out of the way of the Electric Blue Crayfish. They also enjoy logs to hide under, driftwood and rock shelters. Crayfish are very good at escaping so make sure to have a tight fitting lid on your tank. Blue crayfish can be messy eaters so make sure to do regular water changes. If you have live plants in your tank ,there is a good chance they are going to eat them.

Ghost Shrimp, also known as Glass Shrimp, are excellent scavengers. They are inexpensive and efficient aquarium cleaners that will actively search for any kind of left over food in your aquarium. And the most surprising part is that they get along really well with the best betta tank heater. Very rarely do fresh water fishes like warm waters.

But their transparent bodies and frenetic food-searching behavior make Ghost Shrimp an interesting addition to your freshwater aquarium. The Ghost Shrimp body is transparent, and an orange to yellow colored spot is visible in the center of the tail. The body is segmented, and features ten sets of legs. The first four sets have tiny claws that aid the shrimp in feeding. Ghost Shrimp are relatively small invertebrates, reaching a maximum size of only 2″.

The Ghost Shrimp are omnivores and will consume algae, detritus and left over food. If insufficient food is present, supplement with a quality flake food or pellet.

Ghost shrimp are an excellent food source for many types of both freshwater and saltwater fish. They are great for getting hard to feed fish such as seahorses, lionfish, and newly born sharks to begin feeding.

Pets A Plenty is located in the Blockbuster Video Plaza, Rte 281 Cortland, 753-9213. Open 7 days a week. We now have a website. www.petsaplety.biz. check it out. I post care sheets, coupons, new animal arrivals, contests and more. Any questions, email me at friskyy@hotmail.com

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