Yabby

Yabbies are opportunistic omnivores requiring a varied diet of sinking pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and protein sources such as bloodworms and small shrimp. Calcium supplementation is critical during molting cycles to support shell hardening. Feed 2-3 times weekly, removing uneaten food after 24 hours to maintain water quality.

Yabbies are nocturnal, highly territorial, and prolific burrowers that will excavate substrate and uproot plants. They are escape artists requiring a secure, tight-fitting lid. During molting, they are vulnerable and may hide for several days. They are aggressive predators that will consume slow fish, shrimp, snails, and smaller crayfish; only very large, fast fish should be considered as tankmates.

Breeding Yabbies in captivity is moderately difficult but achievable. Females produce 50-200 eggs carried under the tail for 3-4 weeks. Provide dense vegetation or PVC shelters for gravid females. Separate juveniles immediately after independence to prevent cannibalism, as they grow at different rates and will consume smaller siblings.