Dwarf crayfish (CPO)
Cambarellus patzcuarensis
InvertebratesFreshwater
- Care level
- Easy
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Recommended tank
- 40 L
- Maximum size
- 4 cm
- Temperature
- 18–26 °C
- pH
- 7–8
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The dwarf crayfish, known in the trade as CPO, originally comes from Lake Pátzcuaro in Mexico; the bright orange form is a bred variety of that wild animal. It stays small enough to keep in a community tank, which is not possible with most crayfish.
It clears up leftover food and usually leaves healthy fish alone, although a sleeping bottom fish may occasionally get a pinch. Give it plenty of small caves and leave it undisturbed after moulting: its shell is then still soft and it is vulnerable.
Good to know
Related species
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.