White-clawed Crayfish

Austropotamobius pallipes, the White-clawed Crayfish, is the only native freshwater crayfish in the United Kingdom and one of few in Western Europe. It inhabits clean, cool, calcium-rich streams and rivers, and is identified by the characteristic pale cream or white colouring on the underside of its chelae. It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, primarily due to habitat loss and competition from invasive North American crayfish species that carry the deadly crayfish plague.

In aquaria, A. pallipes requires cool, highly oxygenated, calcium-rich water and is not suitable for tropical or warm-water setups. It is slower-growing and less aggressive than most North American species, though still territorial and best kept alone. This species has significant conservation value and captive keepers contribute to ex-situ conservation efforts.

Purchase of this species may be subject to legal restrictions in certain European countries. Buyers must verify their national and local legislation before acquiring this species.

Water: 5–20°C, pH 7.0–8.5, GH 10–25, KH 5–15; cool, hard, highly oxygenated water essential. Tank: minimum 100 L, gravel and cobble substrate, strong aeration, caves; no heater. Feeding: omnivore — sinking pellets, leaf litter, blanched greens, invertebrate protein occasionally. Breeding: seasonal winter breeding; small clutch; female broods eggs over winter hatching in spring. Compatibility: territorial — keep alone; check local laws on acquisition and keeping.