Mexican dwarf – orange crayfish

The CPO (Cambarellus patzcuarensis orange), commonly referred to as the Mexican dwarf orange crayfish, is an intriguing addition to any freshwater aquarium. Their small size and vivid orange color give them a distinctive and lively presence in your tank.

These crayfish are a favorite among novice and expert aquarists alike because they are not only visually appealing but also reasonably simple to maintain. They have a lot of personality despite their small size, and you can frequently see them interacting with their surroundings or exploring the tank.

A great option for bringing some color and personality to your aquarium is the Mexican dwarf orange crayfish. As long as their needs are met, they can live in harmony with a wide range of other species.

Keeping a dwarf crayfish

The dwarf Mexican crayfish requires little upkeep. A 50-liter aquarium can easily accommodate two crustaceans. On the other hand, a 100-liter aquarium will be ideal if you wish to maintain a herd of dwarf crayfish. Because crayfish need places to hide, especially during molting when they are completely defenseless, any type of soil will do as long as there are plants, driftwood, grottoes, stones, and other shelters present. Egg-carrying females also require housing.

A dwarf crayfish should be kept in water that is between 25 and 27 degrees. The ideal pH range for water is 7.5-8. A carbonate hardness (kN) of six or above is ideal. Soft, acidic water can support crayfish life, but only temporarily. If the water in your area is soft and you plan to keep crayfish, you can solve the issue by adding some chalk, shells, and limestone to the aquarium. Alternately, apply specific hardness salts, or remineralizers.

Since crayfish are highly susceptible to elevated levels of nitrogen compounds (NH4, NO2, and NO3), you shouldn’t put them in an aquarium that has just been opened. It is evident from the foregoing that adequate filtration and aeration are essential. Additionally, weekly water changes are required. We can lower the concentration of nitrogen compounds with their assistance. Moreover, crayfish molting and mating seasons are typically coordinated with water changes.

Can dwarf orange crayfish be kept in a shared aquarium with fish? Of course! However, some subtleties exist. The so-called "alkaline" fish, such as pecilia, mollies, and other pecilia, are the perfect neighbors for these aquarium crayfish because they prefer a pH of greater than 7. The fish shouldn’t be overly big and hostile.

What to feed an aquarium crayfish?

Mexican dwarf crayfish scavenge, just like any other crayfish. They devour anything they come across, including snails, decaying plant matter, small fish that have fallen victim to Neptune, and debris. They adore dried leaves, such as those from oak trees, walnuts, and almonds. They can readily gnaw on grandfather’s slipper and eat any type of fish food, including brine shrimp and bloodworms. Orange dwarfs don’t usually need to be fed personally.

However, if you have a large number of them and they are all your favorites, it would be best to purchase Tetra Crusta, an arthropod-specific diet. This is a full meal that was created especially to satisfy the cravings of crayfish and shrimp. Vegetable protein extracts, fish, grains, oils and fats, minerals, zinc, iron, manganese, and carotenoids are all present. If you purchase Tetra Crusta crayfish, they will typically be well-fed, content, and pledge not to offend Cherries.

The Mexican dwarf orange crayfish is a colorful, low-maintenance addition to any aquarium. It doesn’t exhibit the same level of aggression as larger crayfish species, so it’s a great option for both novice and seasoned aquarium owners seeking to add some diversity to their tank.

Moulting of crayfish

It is no secret that all crustaceans periodically molt. And the orange crayfish is no exception. Replacing the old chitinous shell with a new one is the only way to grow up. Young individuals molt often, about once a week. Adult dwarf crayfish molt less often. During the molting period, it is especially important for the crayfish to have a shelter where the animal stays until its new shell hardens. Also, molting is a way to restore lost limbs. Crayfish lose them under a variety of circumstances (most often, claws suffer). Also, a crayfish can lose legs during the molting itself, if the crayfish cannot extract any limb from the old shell, it tears it off or bites it off. In both cases, this phenomenon is called autotomy. In general, if you suddenly saw a crayfish with one claw, do not worry, it will soon grow back during the next molt.

Many factors affect the molt’s success. The water’s calcium content is one of them. The building block of chitin for the shell is calcium. Iodine is one of those elements that is also crucial. It is a coenzyme involved in the production of chitin. It’s possible that cancer cannot spread and die in the presence of an iodine shortage. Yodinol is your best friend if crustaceans reside in your aquarium. Tetra Vital, a branded medication that also contains iodine, is suggested.

A beautiful and vibrant addition to any freshwater aquarium is the Mexican dwarf orange crayfish. Its vivid orange color offers a lively pop of color that can enliven your tank.

This little crayfish has a lot of personality and can be fascinating to watch as it investigates its surroundings despite its small size. It is a good companion for many kinds of fish and other aquatic life because it is generally peaceful.

The Mexican dwarf orange crayfish is comparatively simple to care for. Just make sure you give them a balanced diet and a clean, well-maintained tank with lots of hiding places. This tiny animal can flourish and add a special touch to your aquarium setup with the correct care.

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