Texanus dwarf crab - Cambarellus texanus

Similar to the Cambarellus patzcuarensis, the Cambarellus texanus is a very interesting medium sized dwarf crayfish, which is, however, somewhat rarer than the well-known CPO. The pretty brown marbled Texas dwarf crayfish grows up to 4 cm long (measured without claws). It is native to the southern United States (Texas), where it is found in roadside ditches, small standing waters, and even puddles. If its water body dries out, it burrows in and waits for better times.

Male Cambarellus texanus can be easily identified by the mating styli on the underside at the transition from the breastplate to the abdomen; females do not have these styli.  They have a sexual opening at the base of the second pair of walking legs. After mating, the female carries the eggs and later the newly hatched young under the abdomen. For rearing, the young crabs need many hiding places. Brown autumn leaves provide cover as well as an excellent food source.

Besides brown autumn leaves and special crayfish food, young and old Texas Dwarf Crayfish alsoeat vegetables such as peas, nettle or spinach, and they also do not say no to proteins in the form of snails, frozen food and live food such as Tubifex .

Crayfish are solitary animals, so nothing stands in the way of keeping them alone. If you still want to keep several Texas Dwarf Crayfish, the aquarium should have at least 54 l and be very well structured with stones, wood and plants. Also special caves contribute to a stress-free coexistence. You can socialize the Texas Dwarf Crayfish with peaceful, not too large fish that do not sleep on the bottom and with well reproducing dwarf shrimps. However, it is possible that Cambarellus texanus will eat one or the other shrimp, especially if there is a lack of protein. Socialization with crabs and other dwarf shrimp is not possible. Snails are cracked and eaten. As a North American crayfish, the Texas dwarf crayfish is a potential carrier of crayfish plague. The crayfish themselves, as well as water or furnishings from the aquarium in which they are kept, should in no way come in contact with crayfish from Europe, Australia or Southeast Asia. They have no defense mechanisms against this disease and are helpless against it.

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 mainly to plant food.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria 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.