Asellus aquaticus is common throughout the temperate zone, including Europe and Russia.

Asellus aquaticus is relatively tolerant of a range of pollutants and has been used as an indicator of water quality.

Maturity can be reached in few months under warm summer temperatures, but maturation may take as much as two years in permanently cold water bodies (e.g., high-latitude or mountain waters).

Females carry eggs in brood pouches underneath their body.

[4] Aquarists worldwide are showing increasing interest towards A. aquaticus as a low-maintenance freshwater aquarium pet and tank cleaner.