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Moulting
During
moulting freshwater crayfish will become inactive and
tend to stay in their shelter. When moving about they
may appear very sluggish and their shell will seem dirty.
This behaviour and discolouration of the shell is normal.
During this time they should not be handled or moved.
They are preparing to cast off their old shell. That
will allow the freshwater crayfish to grow in size by
expanding a new soft shell underneath. The empty shell
will be seen some time later. Once the shell is shed
there will be a short time of shell hardening. They
will become more active in their new shell and eat more
food than usual. As their new shells develop, the animals
will need to be supplied with calcium. A good source
of calcium is shell grit or limestone. Adding limestone
to the gravel will help maintain the acid levels (pH)
of the tank. |
