I just found my blue crayfish wedged between the fish tank heating element and the block of wood.
Dead.
Aww, and the tank was getting so nice.

I have mixed feelings about this... he was gorgeous and fascinating. On the other hand, he was dangerous to the fish and I found him a bit scary. I've seen pictures of other owners handling their crayfish with bare hands. I could never see myself doing that.

Oh well. These things happen. Thousands of crayfish like this one are eaten by gourmets and Ikea customers every year. And now that my aquarium is crayfish free, some new options are arising.
I could have kuhliis again! (I had some, but... you know.) Or shrimps. What about those nice little bright red shrimps? Or both...
I see more fish shopping in my direct future.

Anyway, he *was* gorgeous. Here's a nice picture to remember him by. Bye bye, strange and beautiful creature.