Orange Mexican Dwarf Crayfish (Cambarellus patzcuarensis var. orange)
Orange Mexican Dwarf Crayfish (Cambarellus patzcuarensis var. orange) is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Product Refunds & Returns
- Returns can be processed within 14 days from purchase.
- To return products, they must be in original condition
- Shipping expenses are not refundable
- If your items have been damaged in shipping, please contact us within 24 hours of receipt with photos, and we will assist you.
Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy – Shipped Orders Only
- We guarantee live arrival on all shipped livestock when:
- The package is received on the first delivery attempt.
- Clear photos of the unopened shipping bag and deceased animal are emailed to us within 2 hours of delivery confirmation.
- If these conditions are met, we will provide a replacement or store credit. Shipping charges are non-refundable.
7-Day Livestock Guarantee (Local & Shipped Orders)
- We guarantee our livestock for 7 days from purchase/delivery if our care recommendations and tank requirements were followed.
- Proof Required: We may require photos of the deceased animal, proof of purchase (receipt/order number), and/or a water sample from your tank for testing.
Livestock Refunds, Returns, & Surrenders
- Local customers may return livestock within 72 hours of purchase for a refund, provided the animal is alive and in original condition. Returns must be brought to the store; we do not provide pickup services.
Orange Mexican Dwarf Crayfish (Cambarellus patzcuarensis var. orange)
Description
Description
Orange Mexican Dwarf Crayfish (Cambarellus patzcuarensis var. orange), also known as the CPO crayfish, is a vibrant, peaceful, and hardy freshwater invertebrate ideal for nano and community aquariums.
Species Overview
- Scientific Name: Cambarellus patzcuarensis var. orange
- Common Names: Orange Dwarf Crayfish, Mexican Mini-Lobster, CPO Crayfish
- Size: 1.5–2 inches (3.8–5 cm)
- Lifespan: 2–3 years
- Temperament: Peaceful but mildly territorial, especially males
Tank Setup
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons for 1–2 crayfish
- Substrate: Fine sand or basalt (preferred for growth and comfort)
- Decor: Caves, driftwood, leaf litter, live plants (they don’t destroy plants like larger crayfish)
- Filtration: Gentle flow; sponge filters are ideal for breeding tanks
- Lighting: Moderate to low
- Lid: Required—they are escape artists
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
- pH: 6.5–8.0 (ideal: 7.5–8.0)
- GH: 3–18
- KH: 3–15
- TDS: 100–500 ppm
- Nitrate: <20 ppm
- Note: Avoid copper in food, meds, or fertilizers—it’s toxic to inverts
Diet
- Type: Omnivorous scavenger
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Staples:
- Invertebrate pellets
- Algae wafers
- Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, carrots)
- Frozen/live foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae
- Behavior: Will eat leftovers, detritus, and even molted exoskeletons
Breeding
- Ease: Easy in stable conditions
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Process:
- Males pin females to mate
- Females carry fertilized eggs under swimmerets for 3–4 weeks
- Fry are born as miniature adults and are independent
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Tips:
- Provide multiple hiding spots for fry
- Avoid overcrowding to reduce aggression
- Fry may eat each other if food is scarce
Tankmates
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Compatible With:
- Peaceful fish (e.g., guppies, rasboras)
- Shrimp and snails (with caution—may eat slow or dead ones)
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Avoid:
- Aggressive or large fish
- Overcrowding with other crayfish
Specifications
Specifications
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CategoryCrayfish
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Species TypeMexican Crayfish
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Water Temperature
-
Minimum Tank Size5 Gallons
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Water pH LevelAcidic, Neutral
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Habitat PreferencePlanted Tanks, Driftwood, Sandy Tanks
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BehaviourSemi-aggressive, Bottom-Dwelling
Payment & Security
Payment methods
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