Orange Dwarf Crayfish

Cambarellus patzcuarensis

The orange dwarf crayfish, Cambarellus patzcuarensis, is a small freshwater crayfish associated with Mexico's Lake Patzcuaro region, with the bright orange aquarium form being the best-known strain in the hobby. Adults stay much smaller than many crayfish, often only a few centimeters long, and have a stocky body, small claws, and active bottom-foraging behavior. Their color makes them easy to spot against plants, leaf litter, and dark substrate.

Aquarium care focuses on stability and shelter. Orange dwarf crayfish need clean, well-filtered water, places to hide during molts, calcium availability, and tankmates that will not eat them or be easily grabbed. They may breed in freshwater, with females carrying eggs under the tail until the young hatch as miniature crayfish. Even though they are small, they should never be released outdoors, since aquarium animals can carry pathogens or establish where conditions allow.