Cambarellus ninae - Absolute rarity

Cambarellus ninae is notable for its relatively peaceful nature; these dwarf crayfish rarely attack their conspecifics. Nina's dwarf c rayfish is native to Texas and Arkansas, where it is found in ditches, small streams and other surface waters. Cambarellus ninae is light beige to light brown in color. Carrying females darken somewhat. Often the animals have tiny white spots all over the body. Individual Cambarellus ninae may also be reddish to bluish or whitish. Female Cambarellus ninae grow to about 30 - 35 mm, males are smaller and much more delicate. They can be easily distinguished from females by their forward pointing arrow-shaped sexual appendages (gonopods) at the junction of the thorax and abdomen on their underside.

Cambarellus ninae can in principle be kept together with shrimps , as long as you provide enough hiding places. However, there is a small risk that they will attack or try to mate with the shrimp, which can kill them. This risk can be reduced by structuring the tank well. The socialization with smaller Rasbora species and other fast swimming peaceful small fish species turns out to be without problems. Cambarellus ninae must not come into contact with crayfish from other than the Americas, as it can be a carrier of the crayfish plague pathogen. Infection with this algal fungus would be fatal to non-immune crayfish.

We recommend dried foliage for feeding Cambarellus ninae, which is readily eaten and also provides many hiding places. In our facility we successfully use dried oak and beech leaves. They also readily accept nettle sticks, special food for dwarf crayfish, frozen food, pumpkin chips, peas, spinach and so on. Adolescent crayfish have much higher protein requirements than adult crayfish.

A pair of Cambarellus ninae can be successfully kept in a tank with a capacity of 30 l or more, as long as it is well structured. For a small group of two to three females and one to two males we recommend aquariums from 54 l. The dwarf crayfish need sufficient hiding places, especially after molting, so that the carapace can harden undisturbed. The Cambarellus ninae tank does not need to be heated, room temperature is sufficient (18-27° C). Cambarellus ninae do not have special requirements to the water values, they are very adaptable and robust also in this respect. All crayfish are great climbers, so you must cover the aquarium tightly, otherwise there is a danger of escape.

Cambarellus ninae is characterized by its not very aggressive and lively nature. Among themselves these animals behave quite peacefully. If two of these dwarf crayfish bump into each other, they quickly go their separate ways again after a short threatening gesture. It also happens sometimes that a conspecific is crawled over peacefully.

After mating, the females lay 30 - 45 eggs, from which, depending on the temperature, fully developed young hatch after 3 - 6 weeks. These are immediately independent and feed on microorganisms, dead plant parts and residual food. Females may carry eggs up to three times a year. The young are sexually mature after a quarter of a year.

Our food recommendation: Freshwater crayfish have a very varied diet in the wild. The Natureholic Crayfish Feed Sticks contain in a biologically balanced form only those ingredients that these crayfish in this or similar form to their natural food spectrum. This naturally supports and promotes moulting, growth and reproduction. Due to their protein content they are ideally suited for omnivorous crayfish of the genera Procambarus, Cambarus, Cambarellus, Astacus and the Cherax crayfish from Australia, which are basically omnivores that like to eat animal as well as vegetable food. The crayfish of the genus Cherax from Papua also like to eat a portion of animal food when they are young, but later they switch predominantly to plant food.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.