Subject: [Q] Culturing crabs/crayfish

From: [email-masked] (Jeffery Schafer)
Date: 16 Jul 1995 08:58:08 -0600

Hello,

  Could anyone tell me some details on how to breed freshwater crayfish?  
I have heard that the first pair of swimmets (I think...) are larger on 
the male, and the female carries the eggs.

  Also, I would love to be able to culture fiddler crabs.  I have tried 
to find some inforation, but most of the references I have found are not 
carried by CSU's library.  :^<

  However, I do know that they have a plankton stage.  I recently talked 
with someone whom had a pregnant red crab (freshwater).  He was out of 
town when the female laid her eggs, but his (and mine) best guess was 
that the crab 'hatched' plankton larvae.

  I have several questions:

  1.)  Does anyone know a good reference?  

  2.)  What is the difference in the different species of fiddlers?

  3.)  What is the best salinity to keep fiddler crabs in?

  4.)  Do the crabs need to have access to the air?  (i.e. land)

  5.)  What ratio of male/female is best?

  6.)  How does one go about raising the plankton larvae?

  7.)  In the last year I have tried to find someone that has spawned 
fiddler crabs.  A couple of people have mentioned it is not possible.  Am 
I on a wild goose chase?

  I know that I have a *lot* of questions.  However, even the smallest 
answers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeff

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From: [email-masked] (Jeffery Schafer)
Date: 16 Jul 1995 10:04:31 -0600

Just wanted to appologize for re-posting this.  I meant to post it into 
rec.aquaria!

Thanks,

Jeff