Crayfish-Mexican Dwarf

All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.

When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.

ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra.

Mexican Dwarf Crayfish (Cambarellus patzcuarensis)

Description:

• Appearance:

  • Body: Small, compact, and elongated with a sturdy exoskeleton.
  • Color: Typically bright orange or reddish with a smooth, shiny appearance. Some variants may have lighter or darker hues.
  • Size: Grows to about 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) in length.

• Behavior:

  • Activity: Active and territorial, often seen exploring the substrate or hiding in crevices.
  • Social Structure: Generally solitary or kept in small groups. Males may be aggressive towards each other, especially when competing for territory or mates.

Care Requirements:

• Tank Size:

  • Minimum of 10 gallons (38 liters). A larger tank is preferred to provide ample space and reduce territorial conflicts.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 68-78°F (20-26°C).
  • pH: 6.5-7.5.
  • Hardness: Moderately hard to hard water. They tolerate a range of water hardness, but stability is key.
  • Filtration: A standard filter is sufficient, but ensure it does not create strong currents. Crayfish prefer calmer waters.

• Tank Setup:

  • Substrate: Soft, smooth substrate such as sand or fine gravel. Avoid sharp or rough substrates that could damage their exoskeleton.
  • Aquascaping: Provide hiding spots and structures like rocks, driftwood, and plants. These elements help create a comfortable environment and reduce stress.
  • Lighting: Standard aquarium lighting is sufficient. Crayfish do not require special lighting but do best with moderate light levels.

• Diet:

  • Primary Food: Omnivorous; feed a varied diet including high-quality sinking pellets, algae wafers, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
  • Supplemental Food: Offer occasional treats like blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini, carrots) and crushed shrimp pellets to provide dietary variety and support overall health.

• Behavioral Considerations:

  • Compatibility: Best kept with other peaceful or similarly sized tank mates. Avoid housing with fin-nipping fish or species that may disturb them. Some fish species may see crayfish as potential prey.
  • Social Behavior: Mexican Dwarf Crayfish can be territorial, especially males. Provide plenty of hiding spots and monitor interactions to prevent aggressive behavior.

• Tank Maintenance:

  • Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to maintain water quality and reduce toxin buildup.
  • Cleaning: Regularly clean the tank and remove any uneaten food or waste. Ensure the filtration system is functioning properly.

• Health Care:

  • Observation: Monitor for signs of stress or illness, such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or visible symptoms like discoloration or shell damage.
  • Treatment: Maintain optimal water conditions and consult an aquarium professional if any health issues arise. Address any signs of disease or stress promptly to ensure the health of your crayfish.