Cambarellus Chapalanus
Origin: Mexico.
Appearance: This is one of the largest dwarf crayfish. Colour ranges from red-brown to grey-green, possibly with stripes. There are blue variants known but the colour is not stable.
In the wild these species can be found in Lago Magdalena and Lago Chapala.
Most likely this crayfish will cross breed with other species of the subgenus Cambarellus (Source: Garnalenenkreeftendatabase.nl)
Sexing: The males are slender than the females and have longer and thinner claws. Their first pair of pleopods are transformed into gonopods.
Life span: Approximately 2 years.
Size: 5cm.
Sexually mature: From 3cm.
Gestation: 3 to 4 weeks.
Character: Can be aggressive to other crayfish.
Tank setup: Use a lot of plants, stones, gravel or wood. Plants will not be eaten. It is important to supply plenty of places to hide.
Waterconditions: Temperature 18-26ºC (room temperature is ok). Accidity pH7 and hardness of 5dGH.
Feeding: Eats basically everything, detritus (organic waste material from decomposing dead plants or animals), special food for crayfish and shrimps, fish food and dried leaves from oak and beech trees.
Breeding: Easy. The babies will stay with the mother for the first couple of days.
Tank mates: Small friendly animals(for example fish and shrimps with max. size 4cm). Snails can be placed in the tank as well but they will grab the young snails.
Fish who live on the bottom of the tank are less suitable.
These crayfish will hunt and attack if there is not enough food.
Do not keep them with fanshrimps!
Copyright photos: © Ingrid de Graaf Bierbrauwer
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