Dwarf Mexican Crayfish
Cambarellus patzcuarensis "Orange"
Also sold as CPO · Orange dwarf crayfish · Mexican Dwarf Orange Crayfish
Dwarf Mexican Crayfish (Cambarellus patzcuarensis "Orange") is a semi-aggressive freshwater invertebrate that reaches about 4 cm (1.6 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 64–75°F (18–24°C) and pH 7–8, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 50 L (13 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Invertebrate |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 4 cm (1.6 in) |
| Minimum tank | 50 L (13 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 64–75°F (18–24°C) |
| pH | 7–8 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Lifespan | 2–3 years |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only |
Before it goes in
- Dwarf Mexican Crayfish needs at least 50 L (13 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 15 Gallon.
- Adult shrimp are safe; shrimplets will be eaten, so a shrimp colony will not grow in the same tank.
- It holds at 64–75°F (18–24°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with German Blue Ram and Discus.
- It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
- Before you buy: it is banned or licence-only in some places, so check your local rules first.
What tank size does it need?
At least 50 L (13 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 15 Gallon.
Will it eat shrimp?
Adults are safe, shrimplets are not. You can keep shrimp with it; you just will not get a growing colony.
What water does it want?
64–75°F (18–24°C), pH 7–8.
How long does it live?
2–3 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Dwarf Mexican Crayfish | Electric Blue Crayfish | Marbled Crayfish | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 4 cm | 10 cm | 10 cm |
| Min tank | 50 L | 90 L | 76 L |
| Group | 1+ | 1+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 64–75°F (18–24°C) | 72–81°F (22–27°C) | 64–77°F (18–25°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only | Yes | Yes |
More livestock
Sources (5) · checked Sep 2026
- Temperature, pH, Jumpingaquariumbreeder.com
- What it eatsaquariadise.com
- Local ruleslegislation.gov.uk
- What it eatstheshrimpfarm.com
- garnelio.de