feeding Crayfish to Oscar
- Thread starter PCooper
- Start date
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RogerMcAllen
Aquarium Advice Addict
I wouldn't, those claws might do some damage. If you want to feed live crustacians I would try ghost shrimp. They will be much cheaper.
talloulou
Aquarium Advice Addict
I think oscars eat crayfish in the wild.......if the oscar doesn't eat the crayfish it would make a good scavenger for the bottem of the tank. Not sure about the white balls growing on their heads....So definitely don't put one of those in with the Oscar until you confirm species type and healthy appearance.
krap101
Aquarium Advice Addict
i think its kind of like thorns? if were thinking about the same things. you could like strong their claws shut before putting them in? or something of the sort
QTOFFER
Aquarium Advice Addict
I'm not a big fan of feeder fish or crustaceans unless you breed them yourself. Otherwise, you have no idea how they were fed, or if they carry any disease.
I wouldn't feed any crayfish larger than 1 inch, because they can inflict serious wounds with those claws and with the pincers on each leg. It's just not worth your oscar losing an eye.
I wouldn't feed any crayfish larger than 1 inch, because they can inflict serious wounds with those claws and with the pincers on each leg. It's just not worth your oscar losing an eye.
FinkAlmighty
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Go for it! Oscars love em and seem to know how to eat them by instinct 
.
Mine used to bite the tail off and leaves the head/claws. Goes nuts too. Sadly there is the risk that he might pick up a disease....Also an oscar really has no need at all to be feed live fish when it can get a better source of nutrients from pellets ect.
It really comes down to weather or not you want to take the risk.
I eventually stopped doing it about a 3 years ago because of the risk... so do what you will.
.Mine used to bite the tail off and leaves the head/claws. Goes nuts too. Sadly there is the risk that he might pick up a disease....Also an oscar really has no need at all to be feed live fish when it can get a better source of nutrients from pellets ect.
It really comes down to weather or not you want to take the risk.
I eventually stopped doing it about a 3 years ago because of the risk... so do what you will.
PBirdsong
Aquarium Advice FINatic
I have personally seen fish eat crayfish and (hate to make people mad) it's awesome! Crayfish don't put up much of a fight and it is usually a quick death. Anyone who grew up playing Mortal Kombat will get a kick out of it. 
On the health side of things I definately agree with QTOFFER. It's better to breed your feeder fish yourself. That way you KNOW they are heathly.
Happy hunting to your oscar.
On the health side of things I definately agree with QTOFFER. It's better to breed your feeder fish yourself. That way you KNOW they are heathly.
Happy hunting to your oscar.
DeFeKt
Aquarium Advice Addict
yea but like my crays they will end up with no legs and getting around commando style !!
believe it or not, a friend of mine has a 12" oscar that will scoop the cray up from behind, eat the insides out and pretty much spit out the perfect empty shell and claws.
I also agree with that, due to the size, and damage they can cause. plus the shells will be alot thinner.
If you want to save your oscar the damage, (and forgive me animal activists) just bust off the inside arm on the claw with a pair of pliers or something.
Just make sure you QT them for a while first.
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