Dwarf Orange Crayfish

About

The dwarf orange crayfish, known in the hobby as the CPO, is a miniature Mexican crayfish selectively bred to a vivid orange from Cambarellus patzcuarensis, a species endemic to Lake Patzcuaro in Michoacan. Reaching only about 4 to 5 cm, it is far more peaceful than its full-size cousins: it grazes the tank floor for detritus, leaves healthy plants alone, and generally coexists with adult shrimp, though it may seize a weak or freshly molted one given the chance. It is bold, characterful and easy to keep in a mature nano aquarium.

Care

Give each crayfish its own cave or tube in a stable, well-oxygenated tank with harder water and enough calcium for clean molts. Keep singly or in small groups with abundant cover, and watch smaller tankmates around molting time.

Diet

Omnivorous scavenger that forages on detritus, biofilm, soft algae and leftover food; round out the diet with sinking invertebrate pellets, blanched vegetables and occasional protein, easing off feeding while it molts.

Sources

• Aquariadise — CPO Crayfish (Cambarellus patzcuarensis) Care Guide
• Shrimp and Snail Breeder — Dwarf Mexican Crayfish Detailed Guide
• The Shrimp Farm — Dwarf Orange Crayfish (CPO) Care Sheet