Chocolate dwarf crab, Cambarellus patzcuarensis

Like the orange CPO, the chocolate dwarf crayfish belongs to the species Cambarellus patzcuarensis, native to Lake Patzcuaro in Mexico. It has a very attractive chocolate brown coloration, sometimes with darker stripes or a marble pattern. With a body length of up to 5 cm, the chocolate crayfish grows very large for a dwarf crayfish.
Sexually mature male chocolate crayfish are identified by their V-shaped sexual appendages (gonopods), which are located at the junction of the head thoracic carapace and the abdomen. Sexually mature females have so-called gonopores (sex openings) at the base of the second pair of walking legs.

During mating, the male chocolate dwarf crayfish turns the female onto her side or back and holds her with his claws and walking legs. The female then squeezes out up to 50 eggs and attaches them to the webbed legs under its tail. After about four to six weeks of gestation, the young crabs leave the egg cases, but remain under the mother's abdomen for a few more days. Only then do they begin an independent life. Young chocolate crayfish are highly cannibalistic, so they definitely need suitable hiding places in large numbers. A layer of brown foliage is suitable here, but also caves, perforated bricks or rolls of sintered glass or ceramic are recommended as hiding places.

Like the CPO, the chocolate dwarf crayfish is not a completely peaceful representative, there are individuals that can be quite aggressive. Therefore it is very important that the aquarium is well structured and provides cover for the animals. Especially during moulting this is crucial. A socialization with Neocardina dwarf shrimp such as the Red Fire shrimp is possible. Occasional shrimp may be preyed upon, but normally the Chocolate Dwarf Crayfish and shrimp live relatively peacefully side by side. Snails of all sizes are eaten by the Cambarellus patzcuarensis very gladly. Bottom-dwelling and even bottom-sleeping fish may be attacked, and fan shrimp may be attacked. Predatory fish, in turn, primarily eat the juvenile crayfish. As a potential carrier of crayfish plague, Cambarellus patzcuarensis must not be socialized with crayfish species from Europe, Australia and Asia that are susceptible to this disease. Under no circumstances should these crayfish be released. 

When it comes to food, the omnivore is not fussy. The chocolate crayfish will eat all kinds of commercial fish and crayfish foods, but will also readily accept vegetables, autumn leaves , and greens such as nettle and spinach . A special protein food is also welcome, as is frozen food.

As with all crayfish, the aquarium must be sealed so that no crayfish can escape from it. The Chocolate Dwarf Crayfish does not go for plants or dig, so it can be kept well in a nicely planted aquarium.

Our food recommendation: Freshwater crayfish have a very varied diet in the wild. The Natureholic Crab 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 mainly 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.