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White River Crawfish
Procambarus acutus
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Cambaridae
📍 Southeastern United States (White River drainage, Arkansas and Missouri)
The White River Crawfish is a medium-sized freshwater crayfish native to the White River drainage in the southern United States. Known for their pale coloration and hardy nature, they are popular in the aquarium hobby for their interesting behavior and relatively straightforward care requirements. These crawfish are opportunistic omnivores that will actively forage and burrow, making them engaging to observe.
Care Guide
Diet
Feed sinking pellets 2-3 times per week, supplemented with blanched vegetables and occasional protein sources like bloodworms or small shrimp. Provide calcium-rich foods (cuttlebone, calcium supplements) during and after molting to support shell hardening. Crawfish are opportunistic scavengers and will consume uneaten food and decaying plant matter.
Behavior
White River Crawfish are primarily nocturnal and spend much of the day hidden in burrows or under rockwork. They are territorial and will defend their space aggressively, particularly during molting when they are vulnerable. These are skilled escape artists—a tight-fitting lid is essential. They will consume soft plants and may prey on slow fish, shrimp, and snails; they are best kept alone or with hardy, fast-moving tankmates.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is possible but challenging for hobbyists. Females produce eggs that are carried under the tail for several weeks before hatching into miniature crawfish. Successful breeding requires optimal water conditions, adequate food, and minimal disturbance. Fry are cannibalistic and difficult to raise without specialized care and separate rearing containers.
Tank Mates
Hardy plant that crawfish cannot easily uproot; provides hiding spots
May be uprooted or consumed; use weighted anchoring
Large pleco may compete for space and food; nocturnal conflict possible
Fast, large fish that may avoid crawfish but risk predation during molting
Tough, slow-growing plant resistant to crawfish damage
Durable plant that crawfish typically leave alone; provides cover
Common Diseases
Molting Dysfunction (Stuck Molt)
Crawfish unable to shed exoskeleton; lethargy; loss of appetite; visible cracks in shell without shedding
Increase water hardness and calcium availability; provide cuttlebone or calcium supplements; maintain optimal temperature (18-22 C); ensure adequate humidity in burrow; do not disturb during molt attempt
Shell Rot (Bacterial Infection)
Soft spots or discoloration on shell; pitting or erosion of exoskeleton; foul odor; lethargy
Perform 25-30% water changes; improve water quality and reduce ammonia/nitrite; increase calcium intake; isolate affected crawfish if possible; treat with antibacterial medication if severe
Parasitic Infection (Branchiobdella)
Visible worm-like parasites on gills or body; difficulty breathing; reduced activity; weight loss
Quarantine affected crawfish; perform frequent water changes; treat with antiparasitic medication or salt baths (1-2 teaspoons per gallon for 10-15 minutes); improve tank hygiene and reduce stocking density
Copper Toxicity
Lethargy; loss of appetite; discolored or darkened shell; neurological symptoms; death
Immediately perform large water changes (50%+) to dilute copper; check all medications and supplements for copper content; avoid copper-based treatments; use copper-free medications only; crawfish are highly sensitive to copper and cannot tolerate any measurable levels
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore; feeds on sinking pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), protein sources (bloodworms, shrimp), and calcium-rich foods for molting support
- lifespan
- 3-5 years
- max size
- 11 cm (4.3 in)
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- semi-aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5-8.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 6-15 dGH
- temperature
- 61–75°F (16–24°C)