Pearl Crayfish care guide
Pearl Crayfish (Procambarus acutus) — minimum tank 80 L, temperature 18-26 °C, pH 6.5-8.5.
Overview
Pearl Crayfish (Procambarus acutus) is a North-American freshwater crayfish of the family Cambaridae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. Hardy North American crayfish similar to clarkii but with paler body and more elongated claws. Aggressive and predatory.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cambaridae
- Genus: Procambarus
- Scientific name: Procambarus acutus
- Common synonyms: White River Crayfish, Eastern White Crayfish
Habitat
Procambarus is a North-American crayfish genus (Cambaridae) with hundreds of described species from the south-eastern United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. Many species occupy shallow ponds, ditches and slow streams; several have been introduced to Europe and Asia and are now widespread invasive species. The Aquairi knowledge base records this entry from: Eastern United States.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (21.1 US gal)
- Adult size: 8-13 cm
- Temperature: 18-26 °C (64-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8.5
- GH: 8-20 °dGH
- KH: 4-12 °dKH
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
An omnivore. Diet includes plant matter, biofilm, algae, detritus and protein in the form of carrion, small invertebrates or fish remains. In the aquarium a daily portion of sinking pellet, regular blanched vegetables and occasional frozen bloodworm or shrimp meet nutritional needs and reduce intraspecific aggression.
Compatibility
Aggressive predator. Adults are large enough to catch slow bottom-dwelling fish, prey on dwarf shrimp and clip soft plants; a species-only or fast top-dwelling community is preferred. Suitable tank mates listed in the Aquairi knowledge base: Solo recommended. Should be kept away from: Fish, Shrimp, Snails, Plants.
Breeding
Reproduces in fresh water without a planktonic larval stage. After mating, the female carries the eggs glued to her pleopods for several weeks; hatched juveniles cling to the mother for additional moults before becoming independent. Stable water chemistry and abundant shelter for the brooding female are required.