Red Swamp Crayfish

Procambarus clarkii

Family : Cambaridae

InvertebrateFreshwatercrayfish

Very hardy freshwater crayfish, bright red in color. Invasive species but popular in aquariums.

Red Swamp Crayfish — photo 1 sur 4 — Thomas Henry Huxley · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain1 / 4

Popularity

Freshwater shrimp

group keeping

Availability

Specialty only

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Description

Procambarus clarkii can reach 15 cm. Its carapace is red with dark shades. It has large claws. It is territorial and aggressive. It digs burrows and may uproot plants. Omnivorous, it eats a variety of foods. Reproduction is oviparous, eggs carried under the abdomen. It can live 2 to 5 years. It adapts to a wide range of parameters.

Habitat

Region :

Swamps and rivers

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature20–28 °C

pH6.5–8

GH5–15 °dGH

KH3–10 °dKH

NO₃

≤ 20 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty

1/5

Diet

Omnivore

Min. tank

80 L

Min. group

Adult size

15 cm

Lifespan

5 years

Temperament

Aggressive

Propagation

egg-laying

Care notes

Temperature 20-28°C, pH 6.5-8.0, GH 5-15, KH 3-10. A minimum 80-liter tank is required. Diet: pellets, vegetables, proteins. Avoid bottom-dwelling fish or small fish. A lid is essential as it can escape. Many hiding places (pipes, rocks). Strong filtration. Weekly water changes. Keep nitrates < 20 mg/L.

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