Dwarf Orange Crayfish - Cambarellus patzcuarensis var Orange : Complete Crayfish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Dwarf Orange Crayfish (Cambarellus patzcuarensis var Orange), characterized by its vibrant orange colouration, is a hardy and adaptable species known for its relative ease of breeding. This crayfish strain has garnered popularity among hobbyists for its striking appearance, making it a favoured choice for many enthusiasts, especially beginners. However, it's important to note that when kept in a community tank with fish or shrimp, there is a potential risk of aggression.
While Dwarf Orange Crayfish are often described as peaceful in comparison to their larger crayfish counterparts, it's essential to understand that they do exhibit territorial behaviour and can display aggression, particularly toward their own kind. In instances of tank overpopulation, they may resort to natural population regulation methods, occasionally leading to the loss of limbs among individuals, which typically regenerate over time.
To ensure the well-being of your Dwarf Orange Crayfish and minimize aggression, it is advisable to avoid housing them with aggressive fish species. Creating a peaceful environment with ample hiding places such as shells, gravel, and other tank decorations is crucial for their comfort. These hiding spots not only play a role in the moulting and breeding process but also contribute to a more homely habitat.
Dwarf Orange Crayfish may react defensively when they feel threatened, potentially displaying aggression towards fish in the tank. Although they lack the ability to kill most fish, they may nip at fins if they perceive danger. It's worth noting that each Dwarf Orange Crayfish possesses an individual personality, and while some hobbyists have successfully maintained them in community tanks, others have reported less favourable outcomes.
Unlike their larger counterparts, Dwarf Orange Crayfish offer more flexibility in terms of tankmates. They can coexist with small fish, snails, and aquatic plants without major issues. Suitable tankmates may include Guppies, Mollies, Micro Rasboras, Dwarf Swordtails, and various snail species, and their offspring can typically thrive together. However, ill or weak specimens may be targeted by the Crayfish, which can contribute to the overall health of the community.
In a tank with larger fish, Dwarf Orange Crayfish tend to hide during the daytime to avoid potential threats. To ensure their safety, it's advisable to provide hiding places that are inaccessible to the larger fish. Driftwood, rocks, and aquatic plants are essential components of a successful crayfish tank, offering numerous hiding spots to reduce stress, particularly during moulting and territorial disputes. Adequate hiding places also help prevent severe injuries or fatalities resulting from intra-species aggression.
When considering the number of Dwarf Orange Crayfish to house in an aquarium, it is recommended to limit the population to no more than two in a 45-liter tank or four in a 90-liter tank. Similar to shrimp, Crayfish are highly sensitive to nitrates and ammonia levels, making it imperative to ensure proper water quality. Regular water changes, along with the installation of an appropriate filtration system, contribute to maintaining optimal oxygenation and a healthy environment for your Crayfish.
Dwarf Orange Crayfish Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Dwarf Orange Crayfish can be accomplished by examining the lower region of their abdomen, specifically the lower portion of the white section of the underbelly. Males possess an additional set of pleopods utilized for internal fertilization, leading to the formation of a triangular-ish cluster of small legs in this area. In contrast, females feature a seminal receptacle and lack the extra pleopods found behind the walking legs of males. This distinction becomes evident as females do not exhibit the same triangular-ish formation but instead present a small nub, facilitating the identification of their gender.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Cambarellus patzcuarensis var Orange |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Dwarf Mexican Crayfish |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Malacostraca |
| Order | Decapoda |
| Family | Cambaridae |
| Genus | Cambarellus |
| Origins | Mexico |
| Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Pairs |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Livebearer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.5 - 8.0 |
| GH | 3 - 18 |
| KH | 3 - 12 |
| TDS | 200 - 300 |
| ℉ | 65 - 75 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 18 - 24 |
Natural Habitat
The Dwarf Orange Crayfish, cultivated by Juan Carlos Merino in the 1990s, traces its origins to the Netherlands and consequently lacks a native habitat. Nonetheless, its wild progenitor is exclusive to Lake Pátzcuaro, a volcanic caldera lake nestled in the Michoacán region of southwestern Mexico, proximate to the major city of Morelia.
In their natural environs, these Crayfish demonstrate a proclivity for inhabiting a spectrum of aquatic settings, including lakes, meandering streams, and leisurely flowing rivers. Regrettably, the species faces a sobering threat in the wild due to the diminishment of its habitat, which currently spans a mere 200 square kilometres, subjected to pervasive human activities.
Breeding
Breeding Dwarf Orange Crayfish can be a straightforward process that requires minimal intervention from caretakers. The key is to ensure you have at least one male and one female in your tank to initiate breeding. During this process, the male will flip over the female, pin her down, and deposit sperm near her sperm receptacle. Observing closely, you'll notice that the male will pounce on top of the female, transferring sperm into her sperm receptacle. Following this, the female Crayfish will fold over her tail, positioning it beneath her body to facilitate the fertilization of her eggs.
Females typically carry between 20 to 40 eggs, with larger ones sometimes carrying up to 60 eggs. These eggs are meticulously cared for by the female, as she employs her appendages to keep them clean and well-oxygenated. Additionally, her body offers protection from predators and other environmental hazards. The incubation period of these eggs largely depends on temperature, typically taking 3 to 4 weeks to hatch.
The presence of dark spots, indicative of developing eyes, signals that the eggs are close to hatching. Once hatched, the baby Crayfish may cling to their mother for a few days until their shells harden enough for them to swim independently. At this stage, they are quite defenceless and can only wiggle without the ability to walk.
The diet for baby Dwarf Orange Crayfish is similar to that of adults, albeit in smaller portions. In the initial days after hatching, they often scavenge for food at the tank's bottom alongside their mother. While females typically do not attack their offspring during the first few days, it's advisable to isolate them in a separate container within the tank to ensure their safety.
It's important not to house different generations together, as Dwarf crayfish babies can display aggression, particularly larger ones towards smaller ones. Only babies of similar size should be kept together to minimize potential harm. In the early stages, daily feeding is essential to prevent hunger-induced aggression or cannibalism among the young Crayfish.
Diet & Feeding
Dwarf Orange Crayfish exhibit a predilection for foraging and exploration within their habitat. Their omnivorous nature makes organic fare their preference, with a penchant for blackworms, crushed snails, earthworms, and brine shrimp. As an occasional indulgence, Algae wafers hold particular appeal to these Dwarf Mexican Crayfish. It's essential to note their scavenging proclivity, as they readily consume various food items introduced into the tank.
A well-rounded diet for these crustaceans encompasses bottom-dwelling live prey and sinking pellets from reputable brands. Surprisingly, vegetables such as shelled peas and zucchini are also relished. Maintaining their exoskeletal health necessitates a regular supply of specialized invert foods rich in calcium.
