Data was collected in association with the exposure of aqueous nickel (NiCl2-H2O) to juvenile crayfish (Faxonius virilis) for 29 days at different concentrations to observe any differences in growth (after 28 days) and food consumption (on day 29). Data for the growth component of the study included crayfish wet weight (initial and final), final carapace length, and crayfish sex. The food consumption data included measurement of blood worms (by wet weight) consumed in a 24-hour period. Daily in situ water quality data included temperature, pH, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen. Bench water quality data includes ammonia, hardness, and alkalinity. Analytical chemistry data includes nickel concentration, dissolved organic carbon, cations, and anions. Additional data was also collected to calibrate bloodworm consumption data.