Brazos Dwarf Crayfish

Cambarellus texanus

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Cambaridae

📍 South America

A tiny freshwater crayfish endemic to Texas river systems, reaching only about 1 inch, with a mottled brown coloration and a peaceful temperament relative to larger crayfish species. It is safe to keep with most small fish and shrimp due to its small size and slow movement, making it a popular choice for community nano tanks.

Size1.4"

Min Tank10g

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Brazos Dwarf Crayfish are omnivorous scavengers that feed on sinking pellets, algae wafers, and decaying plant matter. Supplement with frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp 2-3 times weekly. They will also consume leftover fish food and dead plant material, making them excellent cleanup crew members.

Behavior

These crayfish are nocturnal and spend most of the day hiding among plants and decorations, becoming more active at dusk and night. They are peaceful and slow-moving compared to larger crayfish species, rarely displaying aggression toward tankmates. They are solitary but can be kept in groups if the tank is large enough with adequate hiding spaces.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is possible but uncommon in home aquariums. Females produce small clutches of eggs that they carry under their tail for several weeks before releasing miniature crayfish. Provide plenty of hiding spots and stable water conditions to encourage breeding; fry are difficult to raise due to their tiny size and cannibalistic tendencies.

Tank Mates

Red Cherry Shrimp

Similar size and peaceful temperament; both are bottom dwellers with compatible water parameters

excellent

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Small, peaceful fish that occupy mid-water column and won't prey on or compete with crayfish

excellent

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eaters that share similar water preferences and won't harass the crayfish

good

Ramshorn Snail

Compatible invertebrate that occupies similar ecological niche without conflict

good

Java Moss

Provides essential hiding cover and grazing material for the crayfish

excellent

Anubias Nana

Hardy plant that provides shelter and won't be uprooted by the crayfish's burrowing behavior

excellent

Common Diseases

Shell Disease (Rust Spot)

Symptoms

Brown or orange discoloration on the exoskeleton; pitting or erosion of the shell surface

Treatment

Improve water quality through frequent partial water changes, ensure adequate calcium supplementation, and maintain proper pH (6.5-8.0)

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Cloudy appearance on body, lethargy, loss of appetite, visible sores or lesions

Treatment

Perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days, maintain optimal water parameters, and consider adding aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) if appropriate for tankmates

Molting Problems

Symptoms

Inability to shed exoskeleton, stuck between old and new shell, lethargy after molting

Treatment

Ensure adequate calcium and iodine through varied diet and supplements; maintain stable water parameters and temperature; provide soft substrate for easier molting