Cajun Dwarf Crayfish

The Cajun dwarf crayfish is a small crayfish from the swamps and canals of the southern US. It is a close relative of the CPO (Cambarellus patzcuarensis) and stays just as small; its color is gray, brown or reddish, with dark bands along the sides of the body. It does very little damage to plants, tolerates cool water and breeds easily in the aquarium. Because North American crayfish can carry crayfish plague, they are a threat to native crayfish: never release them into the wild.

• 30 liters or more for one male and 2–3 females; floor area is important.
• 18–24°C is ideal; moderately hard, slightly alkaline water with enough calcium for the exoskeleton.
• A cave for each individual: small rocks, roots, ceramic tubes, dense plants.
• A lid without gaps; it can climb out via the filter pipes and escape.

Omnivorous. It eats sinking tablets, shrimp and crayfish foods, frozen bloodworms, blanched vegetables and dried leaves. Feed small amounts regularly.

Shy and mostly peaceful, but males squabble among themselves over caves. It may catch dwarf shrimp babies and molting shrimp, and rarely small fish sleeping on the bottom.

Good companions: Small tetras, rasboras, danios, snails, adult Neocaridina (accepting the loss of some shrimplets).

Avoid: Loaches (botias), cichlids, large bottom-dwelling fish, other crayfish, valuable shrimp colonies.