Marbled Crayfish care guide
Marbled Crayfish (Procambarus fallax f. virginalis) — minimum tank 60 L, temperature 18-26 °C, pH 6.5-8.5.
Overview
Marbled Crayfish (Procambarus fallax f. virginalis) is a North-American freshwater crayfish of the family Cambaridae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. Parthenogenetic all-female crayfish that reproduces without males by cloning itself. Banned in EU and several countries due to invasive potential. Marble-pattern carapace.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cambaridae
- Genus: Procambarus
- Scientific name: Procambarus fallax f. virginalis
- Common synonyms: Marmorkrebs, Self-cloning 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: Aquarium origin (parthenogenetic mutant of P. fallax).
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L (15.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 8-12 cm
- Temperature: 18-26 °C (64-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8.5
- GH: 6-18 °dGH
- KH: 3-12 °dKH
- Lifespan: 2-3 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: All fish, Shrimp, Snails, Plants.
Breeding
Marmorkrebs reproduce parthenogenetically — all individuals are female and produce viable eggs without males. A single specimen will populate a tank, and offspring are genetically identical to the mother.