What Is a Ghost Lobster?

In the aquarium hobby, Ghost Lobster usually refers to a freshwater crayfish with pale, translucent, or icy white coloration. These are often color morphs of common crayfish species such as Procambarus clarkii, Cherax species, or selectively bred albino/white variants.

They are hardy, striking in appearance, and popular among crustacean keepers.

Appearance

• Color: Translucent white, pale blue-white, or ghost-like transparent body.

• Size:

  • Most species grow 8–12 cm (some Cherax up to 15 cm).

• Body Shape: Classic crayfish/lobster form with long claws.

• Eyes: Black or reddish depending on morph.

• Claws: Medium to large, powerful enough to catch fish.

• Shell: Hard exoskeleton that molts regularly.

Behavior & Temperament

• Territorial and can be aggressive.

• No two males should be kept together in small tanks.

• Mostly nocturnal but will roam around during the day.

• Can rearrange tank decorations and dig burrows.

• Will hunt small, slow fish if given a chance.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size:

  • 40–60 liters for one

  • Larger for multiple (only if enough hiding spaces)

• Temperature: 20–26°C.

• pH: 6.8–8.0.

• Hardness: Medium–hard; needed for strong shells.

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel.

• Decor:

  • PVC pipes

  • Rocks

  • Driftwood

  • Caves (essential for molting)

Important: They are escape artists. Use a tight tank lid.

Diet

Ghost Lobsters are omnivores and scavengers. They eat:

• Sinking pellets

• Algae wafers

• Shrimp or crab food

• Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp

• Blanched vegetables

• Dead fish

• Plant matter in the tank

Note: They may eat weak or sleeping fish.

Molting Process

Crayfish molt every few weeks when growing.
Signs of molting:

• Reduced activity

• Hiding for days

• Refusal to eat

After molting:

• The new shell is soft for 24–48 hours

• Provide hiding space to prevent stress or injury

• Do not remove the old shell — they often eat it for minerals

Tank Mates

Best tank mates:

• Fast, mid-water fish

• Snails

• Larger fish that are not aggressive

Not recommended:

• Small fish (they may get caught)

• Slow fish (bettas, gouramis)

• Shrimp (will be hunted)

• Other crayfish — may fight to the death unless in large tanks

Breeding

Breeding Ghost Lobsters is possible:

• Males have larger, more pronounced gonopods.

• Female carries eggs under the tail (berry stage).

• Eggs hatch in 3–4 weeks.

• Babies are tiny and need hiding spaces.

Parents may eat young if food is limited, so grow-out tanks are recommended.

Care & Maintenance

Water Cleanliness

• Perform weekly water changes.

• Crayfish produce a lot of waste → need strong filtration.

• Ensure water hardness for healthy shell growth.

Preventing Injury

• Avoid rough substrate.

• Provide hiding places for molting.

Copper Warning

Copper-based medications are toxic to crayfish.

Common Problems

1. Shell Issues

Caused by calcium deficiency or soft water.

2. Aggression

Occurs if space is limited.

3. Escape

Crayfish can climb airline tubing or filter pipes.

4. Attacking Fish

Normal behavior — they are opportunistic hunters.

Key Highlights

• Beautiful pale/ghost-like freshwater crayfish

• Hardy, easy to keep

• Opportunistic and territorial

• Can live 2–4 years

• Great for species-only or large community tanks

• Molting is crucial for growth