shipping aquatics

[Scorpendra]

i wasn't sure whether to put it in here or Not so Spineless Wonders, but i'll go with here since i'm asking about an "other invertebrate".

i'm trying to sell my crayfish, but i don't know specifically how to ship aquatic animals. i'm sure there's special things i'd need to do, which is why it's been local pickup only, which is limiting its marketability. google isn't giving me answers i'm looking for, so i've turned to asking the masses directly. what is the proper procedure to ship a crayfish?

 

[arachnochicken]

I've had fish and corals shipped to me before . What they usually do is get over sized bags and put enough water in it to make sure that they will be covered at all angles . Then double or even tripple bag the crayfish. Then pack them in a box big enough to put plenty of packing material around the bag . Thats pretty much it . Another thing you might wanna do when you ship it is put PERISHABLE on the box . The PO usually will make sure they get there on time that way .


hope this helps

 

[dtknow]

You could pack him in a bag with water and a yarn "spawning mop" to hide in...or anything for him to cling to as just water would be quite stressful. A deli cup with wet moss/plants/papertowel and holes would work just as well.

 

[insectheart]

not sure about crays, but for shrimp the breather bag method is often cited as the best method:
http://www.theshrimptank.com/Articles/howtoshipshrimp.html

 

[Scorpendra]

thanks, this was very helpful. it's roughly what i imagined, but i couldn't get google to verify it and i didn't want to take a risk. i haven't gotten any offers yet, but i'm hoping this will increase my chances.

 

[Matt K]

Not to state the obvious, but.....

Have you tried local pet shops? Usually someone in the aquarium section and/or the manager can answer in great detail and possibly even package it up for you.

 

[spider_mike]

I have shipped and bred many crayfish. There are different methods for different species and sizes. What species and size?

 

[Scorpendra]

i'm fairly sure it's a Procambarus. here's a pic: http://i33.tinypic.com/14xjkno.jpg. it's roughly 4".

i'd still feel safer making a local transaction, but this is useful information.

 

[spider_mike]

Nice! Looks like a white P. alleni. This would be considered large. To ship this I would use a disposable Tupperware container with many hole melted in it. Put filter wool or cotton balls inside that are wet. Put the top on and rubber band it shut. Put the Tupperware in a fish bag with approx one half of a cup of water. Rubber band the bag shut. Put that bag in another bag and rubber band it shut. So the end result is a crayfish in a Tupperware with holes sitting in saturated cotton. There is a little water splashing around inside the double bagged Tupperware.

The main thing is to keep the gills moist during shipping. Your biggest enemy is heat. If you put too much water and submerge the crayfish he will use up all the oxygen and drowned. These guys can ship priority with no problems. An insulated box is key for keeping the temperature even.

Ahh, long winded but I think I covered it all. Below is a link to my old site. I have since stopped working with freshwater inverts but kept all my equipment awaiting a move to a place I have the room to setup shop again.

Let me know if you have any questions.

http://www.hallservice.com/freshwaterinverts/index.html

 

[LeilaNami]

Nice! Looks like a white P. alleni. This would be considered large. To ship this I would use a disposable Tupperware container with many hole melted in it. Put filter wool or cotton balls inside that are wet. Put the top on and rubber band it shut. Put the Tupperware in a fish bag with approx one half of a cup of water. Rubber band the bag shut. Put that bag in another bag and rubber band it shut. So the end result is a crayfish in a Tupperware with holes sitting in saturated cotton. There is a little water splashing around inside the double bagged Tupperware.

The main thing is to keep the gills moist during shipping. Your biggest enemy is heat. If you put too much water and submerge the crayfish he will use up all the oxygen and drowned. These guys can ship priority with no problems. An insulated box is key for keeping the temperature even.

Ahh, long winded but I think I covered it all. Below is a link to my old site. I have since stopped working with freshwater inverts but kept all my equipment awaiting a move to a place I have the room to setup shop again.

Let me know if you have any questions.

http://www.hallservice.com/freshwaterinverts/index.html

Should I assume this is the best method for water scavenger beetles with piercing spines?

 

[spider_mike]

I have never tried but it might be ok. Can they stay out of water for long periods as long as they are kept moist? Where can you get these beatles? I would love to check them out. Sound pretty cool!:drool:

 

[Louise E. Rothstein]

Could springtails be shipped the same way?
Although they are technically "terrestrial" they dehydrate so easily that I wonder whether "aquatic" shipping methods might work better.

And what are they eating?

The springtails in my redworm bin must be eating SOME of the foods that the redworms eat...but which ones ARE they eating...?