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White Specter Crayfish
Procambarus sp.
Also known as White Specter, Procambarus White Specter
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Cambaridae
The White Specter Crayfish is a striking freshwater invertebrate prized for its pale, ghost-like coloration and active nocturnal behavior. These solitary crayfish are moderately hardy and make excellent additions to established tanks with adequate hiding spaces and stable water parameters. They are opportunistic omnivores that will scavenge and hunt, requiring careful tank mate selection.
At a glance
- Size
- 5 in
- 13 cm
- Min tank
- 20 gal
- 76 L
- Temp
- 64–79°F
- 18–26°C
- pH
- 6.5-8.0
- GH
- 107–268 ppm
- 6–15 dGH
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 3-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Feed sinking pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and occasional protein sources like bloodworms or small shrimp. Crayfish are opportunistic scavengers and will consume algae wafers, biofilm, and decaying plant matter. Feed 2-3 times weekly, removing uneaten food after 24 hours to maintain water quality.
Behavior
White Specter Crayfish are primarily nocturnal and spend daylight hours hiding in caves, driftwood, or dense vegetation. They are solitary and highly territorial, often fighting with conspecifics and consuming smaller tank mates. They molt periodically, becoming vulnerable during this time; provide plenty of shelter to reduce stress and predation risk.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is possible but challenging. Females produce eggs that are carried under the tail for several weeks before hatching into miniature crayfish. Breeding pairs require isolation and excellent water quality. Juveniles are cannibalistic and must be separated or provided with abundant hiding spaces and food.
Tank mates
See all 4Nocturnal and bottom-dwelling; may compete for food and space but generally avoid direct conflict if tank is large enough
Small size makes them vulnerable to predation; only suitable in larger, heavily planted tanks with abundant hiding
Provides shelter and biofilm; crayfish will not destroy it and will graze on associated microorganisms
Hardy plant that provides hiding spots; crayfish will not uproot or consume it
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Common diseases 4Molting Complications, Shell Erosion / Soft Shell Disease, Parasitic Infections (Flukes, Copepods), Bacterial Infection / Necrosis
Molting Complications
Crayfish stuck in old exoskeleton, inability to emerge, lethargy, loss of limbs post-molt
Provide optimal water parameters (stable pH, adequate hardness for shell formation), ensure abundant hiding spaces to reduce stress, and maintain pristine water quality. Do not disturb molting crayfish; they are extremely vulnerable.
Shell Erosion / Soft Shell Disease
Soft, pitted, or degraded exoskeleton; difficulty molting; visible damage to shell surface
Increase water hardness (6+ dGH) with calcium supplements or crushed coral; ensure adequate mineral content in diet; maintain pH 7.0-8.0; perform regular water changes to prevent ammonia/nitrite accumulation.
Parasitic Infections (Flukes, Copepods)
Visible parasites on body or gills, lethargy, loss of appetite, erratic behavior, excessive grooming
Perform 25-30% water changes; increase aeration; treat with aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) if confirmed; avoid copper-based treatments as crayfish are sensitive. Quarantine affected individuals if possible.
Bacterial Infection / Necrosis
Discolored patches on body, rotting limbs or antennae, open wounds, foul odor from tank
Maintain pristine water quality with frequent partial water changes; remove decaying food and waste immediately; provide optimal temperature and pH; consider antibiotic treatment in severe cases; isolate affected crayfish if tank mates are present.
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it.
At a glance
- Size
- 5 in13 cm
- Min tank
- 20 gal76 L
- Temp
- 64–79°F18–26°C
- pH
- 6.5-8.0
- GH
- 107–268 ppm6–15 dGH
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 3-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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