Dwarf orange crayfish
Cambarellus patzcuarensis
The dwarf orange crayfish reaches 4–5 cm as an adult. Its carapace is bright orange, sometimes with darker shades on the back. It has long antennae and slender claws. It is an active species that explores the substrate and hides in crevices. It is generally peaceful but can become territorial towards conspecifics. In the aquarium, it accepts a wide variety of foods. Reproduction is straightforward: the female carries eggs under her abdomen for about 3 weeks.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 20–26 |
| pH | 7–8 |
| GH | 5–10 |
| KH | 3–8 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 15 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.3 |
Care
Care notes
Keep in an aquarium of at least 30 L with soft to moderately hard water (pH 7–8, GH 5–10). The ideal temperature is 20–26 °C. A fine substrate and plenty of hiding places (rocks, roots, plants) are essential. The dwarf orange crayfish is omnivorous: it eats algae, vegetables, pellets, and animal protein. Avoid aggressive or large fish. Regular water changes are important to maintain good quality. Keep nitrates below 15 mg/L.