Mini Mexican Orange Crayfish (.75-1”)

Scientific Name

Cambarellus patzcuarensis var. "Orange"

Maximum Size and Lifespan

• Grows up to 1.5–2 inches (3.8–5 cm)

• Average lifespan is 2–3 years with proper care

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Change, and Care

• A minimum tank of 5 gallons is suitable for a single crayfish, though 10+ gallons is recommended for groups.

• Requires hiding spots (rocks, caves, driftwood, or PVC) to reduce stress and aggression, especially during molting.

• Best kept in cool to moderately warm freshwater:

  • Temperature: 68–77°F (20–25°C)

  • pH: 6.5–8.0
    

• Perform 20–30% weekly water changes with stable, clean, and well-oxygenated water.

• They are sensitive to copper-based medications, which can be lethal.

Tankmates

• Generally peaceful for a crayfish species but may grab very slow or bottom-dwelling fish.

• Best with small, fast-moving community fish such as guppies, endlers, small rasboras, or tetras.

• Also compatible with snails and shrimps (though very young shrimp may be preyed on).

• Avoid large or aggressive fish (like cichlids or catfish) that may attack or eat them.

Diet

• Omnivorous and opportunistic scavengers.

• Feed a varied diet of:

  • Sinking pellets, algae wafers, or shrimp/crayfish foods

  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber)

  • Protein foods like frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp (occasionally)

• They will also graze on detritus and leftover fish food, helping keep the tank clean.

Overview

The Orange Mini Mexican Crayfish is a colorful dwarf crayfish variety popular for its manageable size and relatively peaceful temperament compared to larger crayfish. Hardy and active, it adds unique behavior and vivid color to aquariums. With proper care, it thrives in small community tanks, making it a good choice for aquarists who want invertebrates but don’t want the aggression of larger crayfish.

Natural Environment

Originates from Lake Pátzcuaro in Michoacán, Mexico, where they inhabit shallow, vegetated freshwater bodies with rocky or muddy substrates. The orange coloration is a selectively bred morph, not commonly found in the wild.

Breeding

• Relatively easy to breed in aquariums.

• Males and females can be distinguished: males have modified pleopods (gonopods) while females have broader tails and a smoother underside.

• The male will grasp the female during mating; afterward, the female carries 20–40 eggs under her tail.

• Eggs hatch in about 3–4 weeks, depending on temperature.

• Young stay attached to the mother for a short time before becoming free-swimming.

• Provide hiding spots for babies to avoid predation, even from parents.