Blue Mexican Dwarf Crayfish 'Cambarellus texanus'

⚫ Blue Mexican Dwarf Crayfish (Cambarellus texanus) Care Guide

Also known as the Blue Dwarf Crayfish or Blue CPO-type Crayfish

The Blue Mexican Dwarf Crayfish is a small, colorful freshwater invertebrate prized for its vivid blue coloration and compact size. Peaceful compared to larger crayfish species, it is well suited to planted aquariums and nano setups when given adequate cover and space.

Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size: 30 litres

Temperature: 20–26°C

pH: 6.8–8.0

GH: 6–15

KH: 3–10

TDS: 150–300 ppm

They prefer stable water conditions with good filtration and plenty of oxygen. Sudden parameter swings should be avoided, especially during molting periods.

Habitat Setup

Create a secure, natural environment with:

• Sand or fine gravel substrate

• Plenty of hiding places (rocks, caves, driftwood)

• Live plants (especially mosses and hardy species)

• Gentle water flow

Leaf litter and botanicals can be added to encourage grazing and provide additional shelter.

️ Feeding

Blue Mexican Dwarf Crayfish are omnivorous scavengers:

• Sinking crustacean pellets or wafers

• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, peas)

• Frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp)

• Occasional calcium-rich foods for shell health

Feed small amounts once daily, removing uneaten food to maintain water quality.

Tank Mates

Generally peaceful, but territorial toward their own kind if space is limited.

Suitable tank mates:

• Small, fast-moving fish

• Peaceful nano fish

• Snails and shrimp (may be opportunistically hunted)

Avoid:

• Large or aggressive fish

• Other crayfish species

• Slow, long-finned fish

⚠️ Behavioral Note: Newly molted individuals are vulnerable. Ensure plenty of hiding places to prevent stress or cannibalism.

Breeding

Breeding is possible in aquariums.

• Females carry eggs under their tail

• Eggs hatch in 3–4 weeks

• Juveniles are miniature versions of adults and require fine foods and dense cover

Separate adults if survival rates are low.

Sexing / Identification

Males:

• Longer claws

• Gonopods visible on the underside

Females:

• Slightly larger body

• Wider abdomen for carrying eggs

Interesting Fact

Dwarf crayfish such as Cambarellus texanus are far less destructive than larger crayfish species and can often coexist with plants — making them a rare crayfish suitable for aquascaped tanks.

Reference: Bubbly Fish – Creating underwater wonders