CPO - Cambarellus patzcuarensis "Orange"

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The orange dwarf crayfish, also known as CPO (Cambarellus patzcuarensis "orange"), is a color variant bred in aquariums of the species Cambarellus patzcuarensis, which comes from the Mexican state of Michoacán. In its natural habitat, it has a grayish-brown to dark brown color. It can only be found in Lake Pátzcuaro and the nearby streams and rivers. The water temperature in the lake ranges from 15 to 25 °C, depending on the season, and the pH is relatively high, between 7 and 9. Cambarellus patzcuarensis usually inhabits the cool, muddy bottom of the water but can also be found in the plants along the shore.

Dutchman Juan Carlos Merino was the first to select and breed the orange variety of this beautiful dwarf crayfish. There are marbled and light and dark orange striped forms.

Sometimes, young Procambarus clarkii "orange" are mistaken for CPOs. A clear distinguishing feature is the eyes: while they are always completely black in Procambarus clarkii, in the CPO they are bicolor, dark gray or medium brown with a black dot in the middle.

The small, attractive Cambarellus patzcuarensis "orange" has a lifespan of about 18 to 24 months. CPOs reach sexual maturity after about three to four months. The females grow up to 40-50 mm long, while the males stay a bit smaller. They can be easily distinguished from females by their V-shaped mating styli under the body, at the base of the abdomen.

The orange dwarf crayfish should be kept in an aquarium with a minimum volume of 50 liters. With a pH of about 7 to 9 and a water hardness of 12 to 18 dGH, two adult animals with offspring can be kept in the given aquarium size. The aquarium should be well structured and varied, with plants (which, by the way, are neither nibbled, dug up, nor cut by the CPOs) and plenty of hiding places. These hiding places can consist of stone structures, clay tubes, moss-covered bricks, or dense root systems. A dark substrate with foliage adds a cozy atmosphere for the orange dwarf crayfish. In these hiding places, the crayfish find protection, especially after molting. Keeping a single specimen is uncomplicated and corresponds to the animals’ habits in nature.

The orange dwarf crayfish is easy to breed. Females carry up to 40 dark gray eggs under their abdomen for about four to six weeks, which they take care of. Unfertilized eggs are orange and are usually discarded quickly to protect the fertilized eggs from fungus. If you have pregnant females in the aquarium, it is recommended to place two or three alder cones in the water to prevent fungal growth on the eggs. After about four to six weeks, 3 mm small crayfish hatch, stay under the mother’s belly for a few days, and then start an independent life in the aquarium.

At first, the baby crayfish molt nearly every day, so they are very vulnerable during this time. They need many hiding places, as they are highly cannibalistic among themselves. The best hiding places are the sintered glass rolls of Sera Siporax, but a thick layer of brown autumn leaves also works very well.

Both juveniles and adults should be fed protein-rich foods such as Artemia or frozen food three to four times a week. The brown autumn leaves, mentioned earlier, are a very good, natural permanent food. They also enjoy special crayfish food, as well as granulate and flake food, and vegetable food.

It is possible to keep the orange dwarf crayfish with small fish that are not bottom-dwelling or bottom-sleeping. However, care should be taken to ensure that the fish or other aquarium inhabitants do not chase the young crayfish. They can also be kept with compatible shrimp species, as long as their requirements are met and they reproduce successfully, although some shrimp may be eaten. Snails are enjoyed and are often eaten. It is generally recommended to keep them in species-specific tanks, as this way the orange dwarf crayfish do not need to hide from potential enemies and will be more active during the day.

The Cambarellus patzcuarensis "orange" originates from Central America, so it is a potential carrier of crayfish plague, a deadly fungal disease for all crayfish except those from North and Central America. Neither CPOs nor any aquarium water, decorations, or plants should come into contact with European, Australian, New Zealand, or Asian crayfish.

Feeding recommendation: Freshwater crayfish have a very varied diet in the wild. The Natureholic Crayfish Feed Sticks contain only those ingredients that these crayfish consume, in a biologically balanced form similar to their natural food. This naturally supports and promotes molting, growth, and reproduction. Due to their protein content, they are ideal for omnivorous crayfish from the genera Procambarus, Cambarus, Cambarellus, Astacus, and Cherax from Australia, which are omnivores that enjoy both animal and plant-based foods. The Cherax species from Papua New Guinea also enjoy some animal-based food when they are young, but later mainly switch to a plant-based diet.

Plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free from snails, planarians, and other unwanted co-inhabitants. They are also free of algae spores, bacteria, and fungi.

Expert tip: For fishkeeping, we recommend NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. This care set offers the best overall protection for your animals and ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.

Profile:

• Scientific name: Cambarellus patzcuarensis Villalobos, 1953

• Common name: CPO, orange dwarf crayfish

• Difficulty level: suitable for beginners

• Origin/Distribution: Lake Pátzcuaro, Mexico

• Coloration: light or dark orange, with a marbled or striped pattern

• Lifespan: 1.5 to 2 years

• Water parameters: GH 6 to 20, KH 3 to 20, pH 7 to 9, temperature 20 to 26 °C

• Tank size: from 50 l for a pair, well-structured

• Food: crayfish food, brown autumn leaves, nettles, flake food, granulate food or food tabs, vegetables, frozen food

• Reproduction: easy, after four to six weeks, up to 40 young crayfish hatch, they are highly cannibalistic and need many hiding places

• Behavior: relatively aggressive, territorial, solitary

• Socialization: with shrimp and small fish, also with snails (may be eaten)

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