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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

CambarellusPatzcuarensis

Cambarellus Patzcuarensis

Mini Mexican Crayfish
Mini Mexican Crawfish
Mexican Orange Dwarf
Mexican Orange Crayfish/Crawfish
Mexican Dwarf
Mexican Dwarf Orange Crayfish/Crawfish
Dwarf Mexican Orange Crayfish/Crawfish
Patzcuarensis Cambarellus
Mexican Orange Dwarf Crayfish
CPO or Cambarellus Patzcuarensis Orange

Description
It has a body measuring 4–5 centimetres (1.6–2.0 in), including claws. Most specimens found in the wild are brown, sometimes with a gray or blue tint. Cambarellus patzcuarensis var. "Orange" (Mexican dwarf crayfish, sometimes Mexican dwarf orange crayfish) is an orange-coloured mutation often held in aquariums, but this form is rarely found in the wild. Yet another colorful addition to the aquarium tank. The orange striped and tanned color is mesmerizing as well as their smallness. Mexican Orange Dwarf crayfish are plant friendly yet a little aggressive despite their size. When fully mature they average 2.5 – 4.0 cm. They are omnivores like any other type of crayfish as their diet consists of dead leaves, algae, phytoplankton, fish flakes and any dead animal matter (aquarium types ONLY). When housing these crayfish in a tank a lot of hiding space should be created as they tend to prey on each other during the molting period.

Water Parameters: Care must be taken when housing these species as they are extremely fragile and delicate. Regular water changes should always be conducted to avoid accumulation of nitrates in the water. Cool to warm temperatures ranging between 18 - 26° C will suffice. Soft to hard water with a pH of 7.0 – 8.0 will be beneficial to these little crayfish.

Sexing: The females are slightly larger than the males.

Breeding : Good healthy numbers will likely result in them breeding. Their young ones are born alive and looking like their parents. When a female is in berry she should be separated from the rest of the pack. The young ones are also prone to cannibalistic tendencies during the molting phase.

Compatibility : They do well in great numbers but they should not be housed together with any larger crayfish as they will not last very long. Despite their smallness they will not shy away from any type of confrontation even it means a fight to the death. They can be tanked together with any shrimp and fish except the big aggressive fish types.